Cavalry drill and sabre exercise:

PAMPHL

VALEY

BRE EXERCISE

M\

II

By GEORGE PATTEN

RIC

STREET,

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Address orders to

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145 Main Street, Richmond*

CA VALET DRILL

SABRE EXERCISE,

\

AGREEABLY TO THE LATEST REGULATIONS OF THE
WAR DEPARTMENT.

FROM

3

Stankvb Pilitara Mw%

fc

By GEORGE PATTEN

RICHMOND!

WEST & JOHNSTON, 145 MAIN STREET,
1862.

4

PREFACE

The following work is presented with the hope of meet-
ing a want, now felt by the mounted troops called into ac-
tive service. The knowledge of tactics acquired by militia
•seldom extends beyond the requirement of infantry move-
ments, so that the number possessing an acquaintance with
the drill and evolutions of mounted troops is compara-
tively small. It is therefore essential that the general
principles of Cavalry Instruction, and the main details of
the Cavalry Drill, should be speedily acquired by all enter-
ing this branch of service,

This book is designed to impart such instruction in a
manner easily to be understood by the tyro in military
knowledge; enabling the intelligent private to fully under-
stand the various movements in which he takes a part, and
affording the necessary instruction to officers to render them
proficient in the various details of the schools of the
Trooper, Platoon, and Squadron.

Besides which, the sabre exercise is given, with numer-
ous illustrations of the several positions of attack and de-
fence. These, and the diagrams of the cavalry move-

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CAYALRY DRILL.

PART FIRST.

INSTRUCTION ON FOOT.

ARTICLE FIRST.

Definitions and General Principles.

A Troop is composed of ranks and files.

A Rank is composed of men abreast of eacli other.

A File is composed of two men, one behind the other.

File-leader is a man of the front rank of a troop,
relatively to the one who is behind him in the rear rank.

File-closer is an officer or Sergeant posted behind the
rear rank.

Front is the direction perpendicular to the alignment of
a troop and before it, either in column or in line.

Centre is the middle of a troop.

Wings are the two grand divisions into which any body
of men is divided, when in line.

Flank is the right or left side of a column, or line.

Interval is the vacant space between two troops, or
between the fractions of a troop in line. It refers more
particularly to the space which the squadrons of a regi-
ment in line should preserve between each other.

Tbis interval is twelve paces, (twelve yards,) measurod

DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES.

from the knees of the Sergeant (not counted in the rank)
on the left of a squadron, to the knees of the Sergeant
on the right of the squadron which follows in order of
battle.

On foot, it is measured frqm the elbows of the same
Sergeants.

Distance is the vacant space from one troop to another
in column, or between the ranks of a troop, either in line
or in column.

The distance between the open rank?, when mounted, is
six yards, measured from the croup of the horses of the
front rank to the head of the horses of the rear rank ; on
foot, this distance is six paces.

When the ranks are closed, the distance, if mounted, is
two feet, measured from the eroup of the horses of the
front rank to the head of those of the rear rank ; on foot,
it is one foot, measured from the breast of a man in the
rear rank to the back of his file-leader.

When a troop is formed in column of platoons,, or divi-
sions, the distances prescribed are measured from the
men of one front rank to those of another front rank; on
foot, they are measured from the elbows of the men of
one front rank to the elbows of the men of another front
rank.

Depth is the space included between the head and the
rear of a column.

The depth of a column of platoons is equal to the front
which the troop occupied in line; it is measured from the
head of the horse of the officer commanding the first pla-
toon, to the croup of the horses of the file closers of the
last platoon.

To estimate the front of a troop, and the depth of a
column, it is necessary to know that a horse, when -mount-
ed, occupies in breadth one third of his length ; this
bre^nUh is a little less than a yard. To avoid fractions,
and arrive at the same result b}' 2 more simple calculation,
having regard also to the room which the men must always
preserve in the ranks, it is supposed to be one yard. The

DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES. 7

length of a horse being three yards, the two ranks occupy
six yards, with a distance of two feet between the ranks ; a
space which is necessary to prevent them from interfering
on the march.

Taking the above dimensions for a base, the front of a
squadron will consist of as many yards as there are files,
plus the two Sergeants on the flanks. There will be a dif-
ference, however, according to the corps, and the manner
in which the regiment is mounted ; commandants of corps
should satisfy themselves of it, by causing the front of their
squadrons to be measured.

Alignment is the placing of men, or troops, on the
same line. There are two kinds : individual alignment and
alignment hy troop.

Individual alignment is when men are placed abreast
of each other, in a parallel direction, and without one being
in front or in rear of another.

Alignment by troop is when a troop places itself on
the prolongation of a line already formed.

Every troop which is to form and align itself on an-
other, halts on a line with the file-closers, parallel to the
line of formation, to place itself afterwards on the align-
ment of the troop which is already formed.

The commandant of a troop places himself, to align it,
on the side indicated by the command ; it is the same if
the troop which he commands serves as base of alignment
to another troop. But the commander of a troop which alings
itself on another, moves on the opposite side to align it.

A Platoon is composed habitually of twelve files; it
may also be increased to sixteen ; in that case, it is divided
into two sections.

A Division is composed of two platoons.

A Squadron is composed of two divisions, or four pla-
toons.

A Regiment in order of battle (or line) is com-
posed of its squadrons disposed on the same line with their
intervals.

It is in natural order when the squadrons are placed
in the order of their numbers from right tojeft

8 DEJ/iiNlTJLUiN'S AND OLNLRAL PRINCIPLED.

It is in inverse order when the first squadrons are
on the left of the line, and the last on the right, or when
the subdivisions of each squadron are inverted. This
order should be used. only when circumstances require it.

A Column is the disposition of a troop which has bro-
ken, and of which the fractions are placed one behind
another.

There are three kinds of columns j column in route,
cohr/Kii with distance and close column.

Column in route is formed of men by twos, or by
fours. ' •

Column with distance is formed of platoons, having
between them the distance necessary to form in line in
every way. This column may also be formed of divisions;
but the proportion of a platoon front is the most advanta-
geous for all movements.

Close column is formed of squadrons with a distance
of twelve yards from one to another; the object of this
disposition is to give the least possible depth to the col-
umn.

The column has the right in front when its fractions are
disposed according to the order of their numbers, from
front to rear.

The column has the left in front when the last fractions,
in the order of their numbers, are in front.

Fixed points, or points of direction, serve to point
out the direction in which a troop in line, or in column,
is to march ; or else to mark the right and left of a line.
remediate points are those taken between the
fixed points. They are used to preserve the desired direc-
tion during the march, or to insure the rectitude of the
formation of the lines.

General guides are the two Sergeants who, in the
formation of a regiment, mark the points where the right
and the left are to rest.

They are selected in the first and last squadrons, and are
under the orders of the Adjutant and Sergeant Major, for
the tracing of lines.

DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES. 9

Principal Guides are the Sergeants who serve to
mark the intermediate points in the formation in line.

The Sergeants, file closers of the 1st and 4th platoons,
are the principal guides of their respective squadrons.

Particular Guides are the Sergeants who place them-
selves on the line of formation, to mark the front of their
squadrons as they arrive.

The two Sergeants of the flanks, who are not co-
in the rank, are the particular guides of their respective
squadrons.

Guide of the March in Line is the Sergeant file-
closer of one of the wings, who, in the march in line, re-
places the particular guide in the front rank, when the
latter places himself on the alignment, to insure the direc-
tion of the march by serving as an intermediate point.

Guide of the column is the man on one of the 0 1.
of the front rank of a column; he is charged with the
direction of the march.

The guide is always left when the right is in front; the
exceptions to this general rule arc pointed out in the title
of the evolutions.

In the oblique march the guide is on the side tc
which the inarch is made; and when the primitive direc-
tion is resumed, after having obliqued, the guide is where
it was before having obliqued.

In a column composed of cavalry and infantry, the
guides of the cavalry cover the second file of the
visions of infantry on the side of the guides. In line, the
officers who are in front of the squadrons, align then
on the rear rank of the infantry.

"Wheel is a circular movement executed by a ntan or
troop, returning to the point of cle uirturc.

When a troop makes a wheel, it turns upon one of its
flanks; each of the men composing it describes a circle,
larger in proportion to his distance from the central -int.
Lbout face, or wheel, is the half of a wheel.

PtiGHT or left eace, or wh; el, is the fourth of a
wheel.

10 DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES.

Right half, or left half face, or wheel, is the
eighth of a wheel.

Right quarter, or left quarter face, or wheel,
is the sixteenth of a wheel.

Pivot is the front rank man of the flank on which the
wheel is made. There are two kinds : the fixed pivot and
the moveable pivot.

The pivot is fixed whenever he turn3 upon himself; he
is moveable when he describes an arc of a circle.

The arc of a circle described by the pivot of a rank of
two, of four, of eight, or of a platoon, making the fourth
of a wheel, is five yards j for a division it is ten yards ;
and for a squadron it is twenty yards.

Ployment is the movement by which a regiment forms
from line into close column.

Deployment is the movement by which a regiment
forms from close column into line.

Formation is the regular placing of all the fractions of
a troop either in line or in column.

Paces. There are three kinds : the walk, the trot, and
the gallop.

On foot there are two kinds of step : the common step,
and the quick step.

When the command does not indicate the pace, the
movement is always made at a walk, if the troop is halted j
if it is marching the movement is made at the pace at
which it was already marching.

On foot, the movements are executed habitually at the
quick step, without the command being given. When they
are to be executed at the common step the command should
signify it.

The pace, when used as a measure, is three feet. On
foot it is two {'eat four inches.

A horse passes over about one hundred yards per minute
at a walk, two hundred and forty at a trot, and three hun-
dred at a gallop.

On foot the common step is at the rate of ninety per
minute ; the quick step is at the rate of one hundred and
twenty per minute.

DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES. 11

The direct march is that which is executed by a
troop in line or in column, to move off perpendicularly to
its alignment.

The march by a flank is that by which ground is
gained to the right or left, after having made the fourth of
a wheel.

The diagonal march is thus called in relation to the
front from which it commences by changing direction by
the eighth of a wheel to the right or left, in order to arrive
at a given point on the right or left.

The oblique march is that by which, when moving
forward, ground is gained towards one of the flanks with-
out changing the front. There are two kinds; the indi-
vidual oblique march, and the oblique march by troop.

The individual oblique march is that which is executed
by an individual movement of each man.

The oblique march by troop is that which is executed by
the movement, at the same time, of each of the sub-divi-
sions of a troop in line.

The circular march is that which is executed by de-
scribing a circle or portion of a circle.

Counter march is a movement by which the men of
each rank, after having made successively the fourth of a
wheel to the right or left, form themselves facing the rear,
parallel to the first formation.

The charge is a direct, quick and impetuous march,
the object of which is to reach the enemy.

Skirmishers (or Flankers) are men dispersed in
front, in rear, or on the flanks of a troop, to cover its move-
ments or its position.

Obstacle is. anything in the nature of the ground,
which obliges a troop in line to ploy a part of its front.

Defile is a passage which compels a line to ploy into
column, or a column to diminish its front.

Evolutions are the regular movements by which a reg-
iment passes from one order to another.

Evolutions of line are these same movements execu-
ted by several regiments, en one or several lines. Their

12 DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES.

application combined with the position or movements of
the enemy, are called manoeuvres.

Commands. There are three kinds:

• command of caution, which is attention. It is the
signal to preserve immobility, and to give, attention.

The ' preparatory command.. It indicates the move-
ment which is to be executed.

It is at this command that the horses are gathered.

The command of execution, which is march or halt.

The tone of command should be animated, distinct, and
of a loudness proportioned to the troop which is command-
ed.

The command attention, is pronounced at the top of
the voice, dwelling on the last syllable.

The commands of execution are pronounced in a firm-
er tone than the PREPxiRATORY commands.

The commands of caution and the preparatory com-
mands, are distinguished by italics; those of execution by

CAPITALS.

Those preparatory commands which, from their length,
are difficult to be pronounced at once, must be divided into
two or three parts, with an ascending progression in the
tone of command, but always in such a manner that the
one of execution may be more energetic and elevated (the
divisions are indicated hi/ a hyphen -). The parts of com-
mands which are placed in parenthesis are not pronounced.

Time, in the detailed instruction, is an action of exercise
which is executed at a command or part of command, and
which is divided into motions, to demonstrate the mechanism
and facilitate the execution of it,

Soundings are the trumpet signals, which make known
to the troop the movements or details of service which are
to be executed.

SABRE EXERCISE.

18

ARTICLE SECOND.

School of the Trooper Dismounted.

The preliminary instruction to be given to recruits for
the mounted service, is the same as that given to the foot
soldier, previous to his instruction in the manual of arms,
embracing the position of the soldier, the facings and march-
ing. All of which being fully described in the first part
of Instruction in Infantry Tactics, need not be repeated
here, as reference may be made to that book.

ARTICLE THIRD. \

The Sabre Exercise.

This is taught to a squad of from eight to ten men,
placed in one rank, nine feet from each other, having the
sabre hooked up with the hilt to the rear.

The instructor commands :

Draw — Sabre.

Two times.

1. At the first part of the command, which
is draw, turn the head slightly to the left,
without deranging the position of the body ;
unhook the sabre with the left hand, and
bring the hilt to the front; run the right
wrist through the sword-knot; seize the
gripe, draw the blade six inches out of the
scabbard, pressing the scabbard against the
thigh with the left hand, which seizes it at
the upper ring, and turn the head to the
front. Fig. 1.

2. At the last part of the command, which

14

SABRE EXERCISE.

Ok

is sabre, draw the sabre quickly, raising the
arm to its full extent; make a slight pause,
carry the blade to the right shoulder, the
back of it against the hollow of the shoul-
der, the wrist resting against the hip, the
little finger on the outside of the gripe
Fig. 2. 6 F

This position is the same when mounted,
except that the wrist then naturally falls
upon the thigh.

Present — Sabre.

One time.

At the last part of the command, which
is sabre, carry the sabre to the front, the
arm half extended, the thumb opposite to,
and six inches from the neck, the blade
perpendicular, the edge to the left, the
thumb extended on the right side of the
gripe, the little finger by the side of the
others. Fig. 3.

Carry — Sabre.

One time.

At the last part of the command, which
is sabre, carry the back of the blade against
the hollow of the shoulder, the wrist resting
against the hip, the little finger on the out-
side of the gripe. Fig. 2.

Return — Sabre.

Two times.

1. At the first part of the command, which
is return, execute the first motion of pre-
sent sabre, Fig, 3.

SABRE EXERCISE. 15

2. At the last part of the command, which is sabre,
carry the wrist opposite to, and six inches from the left
shoulder; lower the blade and pass it across and along the
left arm, the point to the rear; turn the head slightly to
the left, fixing the eyes on the opening of the scabbard ;
return the blade, free the wrist from the sword-knot, turn
the head to the front, drop the right hand by the side, and
hook up the sabre with the hilt to the rear.

Inspection — (of) Sabre.
One time and seven ".notions.

1. At the last part of the command, which is sabre, ex-
ecute the first time of draw sabre, Fig. 1.

2. Execute the second time of draw sabre, Fig. 2.

3. Present the sabre as it is prescribed, Fig. 3.

4. Turn the wrist inwards, to show the other side of the
blade.

5. Carry the sabre to the shoulder. Fig. 2.

0. Execute the 1st time of return sabre. Fig. 3.

7. Execute the 2d time of return sabre.

When the men execute the inspection of arms correctly,
to exercise them without the details, the instructor com-
mands :

Inspection — (o/) Arms.

Each man, as the instructor passes before him, presents
the sabre, and turns the wrist inwards to show the other
side of the blade, od and 4th motions of inspection of sabre.

As soon as the instructor has passed by two files, the man
who has been inspected carries the sabre to the shoulder,
returns it, 5th, 6th, and 7th motions of inspection of sabre.

The troopers being at attention with drawn sabres at a
carry, the instructor commands :

16

SABRE EXERCISE.

Guard.

One time.

At the command Guard, carry the
right foot two feet from the left, the
heels on the same line; place the left
hand closed, six inches from the body,
and as high as the elbow, the fingers to-
wards the body, the little finger nearer
than the thumb (position of the bridle
land'); at the same time, place the
right hand in tierce at the height of;
and three inches from, the left hand, the
thumb extended on the back of the
gripe, the little finger by the side of the
others, the point of the sabre inclined
to the left, and two feet higher than the
hand. Fig. 4.

Left MOULINET.

One time and two mo-
tions.

U i:

1. At the last part of
the command, which is
moulinet, extend the
right arm to the front
to its full length, the
hand in tierce and as
high as the eyes.

2. Lower the blade
in rear of the left el-
bow; graze the horse's
neck quickly, describing
a circle from rear to
front, and return to the
position of guard. Fig.
5.

•SABKE EXEttOISE.

17

Bight — Moulin et.

One time and tuo mo-
tions.

1. At the last part of
the command, which is
MOULINET, extend the
right arm to the front
to its full length, the
hand in quarte, and as
high

as the eyes.
2. Lower the blade
in rear of the right el-
bow: graze the horse's
neck quickly describing
a circle from rear to
front, and return to the
position of guard. Fig.
6.

Fig. 6. To execute the mouli-

net without stopping, if the instructor wishes to begin by
the left, he commands:

Left and Rigid — Moulin et.

One time and two motions.

If he wishes to bagin by the right, he commands:

Right and Left — Moulinet.

One time and two motions.

At either of these commands, the troopers, commencing
from the position of guard, execute alternately what is
laid down above, without stopping at any motion.

18

SABRE EXERCISE.

Rear — MOULINET.

One time and

Fig. 7.
execute several in succession,

two motions.

1. At the last ptfrt
of the command,
which is MOULINET,
raise the arm to the
right and rear to its
full extent, the point
of the sabre upwards,
the edge to the right,
the thumb extended
on the back of the
gripe, the body slight-
ly turned to the right.

2. Describe a cir-
cle in rear from left
to right, the hand as
far as possible from
the body, and return
to the position of
guard. Fig. 7.

When the troopers
execute the mouli-
nets well, the instruc-
tor requires them to
until the command guard.

In tierce — Point.
One time and three motions.

1. At the last part of the command, which is point,
raise the hand in tierce as high as the eyes,'throw back the
right shoulder, carrying the elbow to the rear, the point of
the sabre to the front, the edge upwards. Fig. 8.

2. Thrust to the front; extending the arm to its full
leDgth.

SABRE EXERCISE.
3. Return to the position of guard.

19

Fig. 8.

In quarte — Point.
One time and three motions.

1. At the last part of the command, which is point,
lower the hand in quarte near the right hip, the thumb ex-
tended on the right side of the gripe, the point a little
higher than the wrist. Fig. 9.

2. Thrust to the front, extending the arm to its full
length.

3. Return to the position of guard.

Left — Point.
One time and three motions.

1. At the last part of the command, which is point,
turn the head to the left, draw back the hand in tierce to-
wards the right, at the height of the neck, the edge up*
wards, the point directed to the left. Fig. 10.

2. Thrust to the left, extending the arm to its full length,

3. Return to the position of guard.

20

SABKB SXERCjfek

Fig. 10. Fig. 11.

Rig] it — Point.
One time and three motions.
1. At the last part of the command, which is point,
turn the head to the right, carry the
hand in quarte near the left breast,
the edge upwards, the point directed
to the right. Fig. 11.

2. Thrust to the right, extending
the arm to its full length.

3. Return to the position of guard.

Rear — Point.

One time and three motions.

1. At the last part of the com-
mand, which is point, turn the head
to the right and rear, bring the hand
in quarte opposite to the rinht shoul-
der, the arm half extended, the blade
horizontal, the point to the rear, the edge upwards. Fig. 12.

SABRE EXERCISE.

21

2. Thrust to the rear, extending the arm to its full length.

3. Return to the position of guard.

Against infantry left — Point. One time and three motions.

1. At the last part
of the command,
which is POINT, turn

"""N the head to the left,

raise the hand in
tierce near the neck,
the point of the sabre
directed at the height
of the breast of a
man on foot. ]?ig.
\ 13.

2. Thrust down in
tierce.

3. Return to the
position of guard.

Against infantry right — Point.
One time and three motions.

1. At the last part of the command,
which is point, turn the head to the right,
carry the hand in quarte near the right hip,
the point of the sabre directed at the height
of the breast of a man on foot.

2. Thrust in quarte*

3. lleturn to the position of guard.

Fig. 14.

]

Front — Cut.
One time and three motions.
At the last part of the command,

which is cut, raise the sabre, the arm half
extended, the hand a little above the head

22

SABRE EXERCISE.

the edge upward, the point to the rear and higher than the
hand. Fig. 15.

2. Cut, extending the arm to its full length.

3. Return to the position of guard.

Left— Cut.
One time and three motions.

Fig. 16.

1. At the last part of the command, which is CUT, turn
the head to the left, raise the sabre, the arm extended to
the right, the hand in quarte, and as high as the head, the
point higher than the hand. Fig. 16.

2. Cut diagonally to the left.

3. Return to the position of guard.

Right — Cut.
One time and three motions.
1. At the last part of the command, which is cut, turn

ftABRE EXERCISE.

the head to the right, carry the hand opposite to the left
shoulder, the point of the sabre upward, the edge to the
left. Fig. 17.

2. Extend the arm quickly to its full length, give a back-
handed cut horizontally.

3. Return to the position of guard.

These cuts are also used against infantry, observing to
direct them vertically.

Rear — Cut.
One time and three motions.

1. At the last part of the command,
which is cut, turn the head to the right,
throwing back the right shoulder; carry the
hand as high as, and opposite to the left
shoulder, the sabre perpendicular, the edge
to the left. Fig. 18.

2. Extend the arm quickly to its full
length, and give a back-handed cut horizon-
tally, to the rear.

3. Return to the position of guard.

Right, in tierce and quarte — Cut.
One time and four motions.

Fig. 18.

1. At the last part of the command, which is cut, exe-
cute the 1st motion of right cut.

2. Execute the 2d motion of right cut.

3. Turn the hand in quarte, and cut horizontally,

4. Return to the position of guard.

SABRE EXERCISE.

Left, in quarte and tierce — Cut.

One time and four motions.

1. At the last part of the command, which is cut, exe-
cute the 1st motion of left cut.

2. Execute the 2d motion of left cut.

3. Turn the hand in tierce, and cut horizontally.

4. Return to the position of guard.

Rear, in tierce and quarte — Cut.

One time and four motions.

1. At the last part of the command, which is out, exe-
cute the 1st motion of rear cut.

2. Execute the 2d motion of rear cut.

3. Turn the hand in quarte, and cut horizontally.

4. Return to the position of guard.

In tierce — PARRY.

One time and two motions.

1. At the last part of the com-
mand, which is parry, carry the
hand quickly a little to the front and
right, the nails downward, without
moving the elbow; the point inclined
to the front, as high as the eyes, and
in the direction of the right shoulder;
the thumb extended on the back of
the gripe, and pressing against the
guard. Fig. 10.

2. Return to the position of guard.

SABRE EXERCISE.

25

Fig. 20.

In quarte — Parry.
One time and two motions.

1. At the last part of the command,
which is parry, turn the hand and car-
ry it quickly to the front and left, the
nails upward, the edge to the left, the
point inclined to the front, as high as
the eyes, and in the direction of the
left shoulder; the thumb extended on
the back of the gripe, and resting
against the guard. (Fig- 20.)

2. Return to the position of guard.

For the head — Parry.
One time and two motions.

1. At the last part of the command,
which is parry, raise the sabre quick-
ly above the head, the arm nearly ex-
tended, the edge upward, the point to
the left, and about six inches higher
than the hand. Fig. 21.

2. Return to the position of guard.

Against infantry right — Parry.

-. One time and three motions.

1. At the last part of the command,
which is parry, turn the head to the
right, throwing back the right shoul-
der, raise the sabre, the arm extended to the right and rear,
the point upward, the hand in tierce, the thumb extended
2

26

SABRE EXERCISE.

\

on the back of

the gripe, the
edge to the left.
Fig. 22.

2. Describe a
circle quickly on
the right from
rear to front, the
arm extended;
tarn aside the
b -yoDet with
the back of the
blade, bringing
the hand as high
as the head, the
the point up-
ward.

3. Return to
the position of
guard.

Fig. 23.

Tig. 22.

J gainst infantry left— Parry.
One time and three motions.

1. At the last part of the command, which is PARRY,
turn the head to the left, raise the sabre, the arm extended
to the front and right, the point upward, the hand in tierce,
the thumb extended on the back of the gripe, the back of
the blade to the front. Fig. 23.

2. Describe a circle quickly on the left, from front to
rear along the horse's neck, the arm extended; turn aside
the bayonet with the back of the blade, bringing the hand,
still in tierce, above the left shoulder.

3. Return to the position of guard.

SABRE EXERCISE. 27

When the troopers begin to execute correctly the above
cuts, thrusts, and parries, the instructor requires them to
make the application of them by combined motions; as fol-
lows:

In tierce — Point AND FRONT CUT.

In auarle — POINT AND FRONT CUT.

Left — Point and cut.

Right — Point and cut.

Rear — Point and cut.

Against infantry right — Point AND CUT.

Against in/antry left — POINT AND CUT.

Carry — Sabre.

As it is prescribed, and carry the right foot by the side
of the left.

Remarks.

The instructor explains what is meant by right and left
side of the gripe ; by tierce and by quarte.

The right side of the gripe is the side opposite to tho
guard.

The left side of the gripe is the side next to the guard.

Tierce is tho position in which the edge of the blade is
turned to the right, the nails downward.

Quarte is the position in which the edge of the blade is
turned to the left, the nails upward.

The object of the moulinet is to render the joints of the
arm and wrist supple, and as it adds to the confidence of
the men when isolated, by increasing their dexterity, they
should first be exercised at it, as a preparation for the other
motions.

Each lesson is therefore commenced and ended with
moulinets, executed with a quickness proportioned to the
progress of the troopers. The instructor pays particular
attention that the men do not employ a degree of force in
the sabre exercise, which not only is less necessary than
skill and suppleness, but which is even prejudicial. lie

28 SABRE EXERCISE.

observes, also, that they do not lean to one side, in such a
manner as to lose the seat, when mounted; he requires
more especially, in the motions of the sabre to the rear,
that the blade shall not fall too near the body, for fear of
•wounding the horse. In describing a circle, the flat of the
blade should be to the side, and the edge to the front, and
it should be so directed as not to touch either the horse's
head, or his haunches, or the knees of the rider.

When the troopers execute all the motions with regulari-
ty, the instructor requires each cut to be given without de-
composing it; the last syllable of a command is the signal
for the quick execution of it. All the cuts are then termi-
nated by a half-moulinet; which brings back to the position

Of GUARD.

Thrusts should always be used in preference, as they re-
quire less force, and their result is more prompt, sure, and
decisive. They should be directed quickly home to the
body of the adversary, the sabre being held with the full
grasp, the thumb pressing against the guard in the direc-
tion of the blade.

The instructor allows the men to rest frequently during
the lesson, in which case he causes the sabre to be returned,

SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER.

29

t^a.:rt second.
INSTRUCTION ON HORSEBACK.

ARTICLE FIRST.

To Conduct his Horse to the Ground.

The trooper conducts his horse to the ground, the reins
passed over the neck, and their extremity engaged in the
left cloak strap. He holds the reins with the right hand at
six inches from the mouth of the horse, the nails under, the
hand elevated and firm to prevent the horse from jumping.

When the trooper is under arms, he has the sabre hooked
up.

Position of the Trooper before Mounting.

The trooper places himself on the left
side of the horse, abreast of the nether
jaw: he holds the reins with the right
hand at six inches from the mouth of
the horse, the nails downward.

The trooper has his heels upon the
same line and as near together as his
conformation will permit, the feet at lit-
tle less than a right angle, and equally
turned out; the knee straight without
being stiff, the body perpendicular upon
the haunches, and slightly inclned for-
ward; the left hand hanging at the
side, the palm a little turned out, the
little finger along the seam of the pan-
taloons; the head erect without being
constrained, the chin drawn into th»
Fig. 24. neck without covering it, the eyes fixed

to the front. Fig. 24.

SO SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER.

When the trooper is tinder arms, he has the left hand
over the sabre.

To Mount.

The instructor commands :

Prepare to mount.
One time and two motions.

1. At the command Prepare to mount, Nos. 1 and 3
of each rank move six paces to the front, stepping off with
the left foot, keeping opposite their intervals, and regulating
by the right.

Place the right foot three inches in rear of the left; make
a face and a half to the right on both heels, the right foot
remaining in front; let go the right rein; slip the right
hand along the left rein ; take two steps, stepping off with
the right foot, and face to the left upon the point of the
left foot, the right side toward the flank of the horse; car-
ry back the right heel three inches in rear of the left; the
right hand seizing the end of the reins is placed upon the
cantle of the saddle.

2. Place a third of the left foot in the stirrup, support-
ing it against the fore-arm of the horse; rest upon the
point of the right foot, and seize with the left hand over
the reins a lock of the mane as far forward as possible, the
extremity of the lock passing out of the hand on the side
of the little finger.

Mount.
One time and two motions.

1. At the command Mount, spring from the right foot,
holding firmly to the mane, at the same time pressing the
cantle to prevent the saddle from turning; the body erect.

2. Pass the right leg stretched over the croup of the

SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER. 31

horse, without touching him ; sit lightly in the saddle,
placing at the same time the right hand, without quitting
the reins, upon the right holster, the palm of the hand rest-
ing upon it, the fingers on the outside of it, and take one
rein of the snaffle in each hand.

(If the trooper is using the curb-bridle, he will pass the
reins of it in the left hand and adjust them.)

Place the right foot in the stirrup.

Form — Ranks.

At the last part of the command, which is Ranks, Nbs-

1 and 3 raise the wrists (or the bridle hand), and hold the
legs close to the body of the horse to keep him quiet ; Nos.

2 and 4 enter the intervals without jostling and vnthout pre-
cipitation.

The rear rank being formed, closes to the distance of two
feet from the front.

Remarks.

Refore the causing the command Mount to be executed,
the instructor explains in detail the two times of it, and al-
lows but a short interval between the first and second part
of this command, because, were the trooper to remain a
long time on the stirrup, the horses would become restive
and move out of their proper places.

The instructor will explain to the troopers, that in carry-
ing the right hand to the holster before placing themselves
in the saddle, they will be able to do so lightly, and will
not run the risk of injuring themselves in bestriding their
horses.

The instructor causes the stirrups to be crossed upon the
neck, the left stirrup over the right.

Position of the Trooper Mounted.

The buttocks bearing equally upon the saddle, and as far
forward as possible ;

The thighs turned upon their flat side without effort,

32 SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER.

embracing equally the horse, and stretched only by their
own weight and that of the legs ;

A supple bend of the knees J

The legs free and falling naturally ;

The point of the feet falling in like manner;

The loins supported without stiffness ;

The upper part of the body at ease, free and erect ;

The shoulders equally thrown back j '

The arms free, the elbows falling naturally;

The head erect, at ease, and not drawn in between the
shoulders ;

One rein of the snaffle in each hand, the fingers closed,
the thumb along each rein, the wrists as high as the elbow,
at six inches from each other, the fingers turned toward
each other, the upper extremity of the reins leaving the
hand on the side of the thumb. Fig. 25.

SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER. 33

To Lengthen the Reins of the Snaffle.

The instructor commands :

Lengthen left (or right) — Rein.
One time and two n.otions.

1. At the last part of the command, which is Rein,
bring the wrists toward each other without turning them
in, seize the left rein with the thumb and first finger of the
right hand, at one inch from the left thumb.

2. Half open the left hand, and allow the rein to slip
until the thumbs touch ; reclose the left hand, and replace
the wrists.

To Shorten the Reins of the Snaffle.
The instructor commands :

Shorten left (or right) — Rein.
One time and two motions.

1. At the last part of the command, which is Rein,
bring the wrists toward each other without turning them
in, seize the left rein with the thumb and first finger of the
right hand, so that the thumbs touch.

2. Half open the left hand, elevate the right hand, and
suffer the rein to slip until the thumbs are one inch apart;
reclose the left hand, and replace the wrists.

The right rein is lengthened and shortened on the same
principles, but by inverse means.

To Cross the Reins in the Left Hand.

The instructor commands :

Cross reins — In left iiand.

One time.

At the last part of the command, which is Left hand,
turn in the left wrist, the nails downward, at the sarao time

34 SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER.

bring the wrist opposite to the middle of the body, half
open the left hand, place in it the part of the rein that was
in the right j reclose the left hand and let the right fall to
the side.

To Take the Reins in Both Hands.

The instructor commands :

Separate — Reins.

One time.

At the last part of the command, which is Reins, half
open the left hand, seize with the right hand, the nails
downward, the part of the right rein which is in the left
hand, and replace the wrists six inches apart.

To Cross the Reins in the Right Hand.

The instructor commands :

Cross reins — In right hand.
One time.

This is executed in the same manner as -cross reins in left
7iand, but by inverse means.

The Use of the Reins.

The reins serve to prepare the horse for the movement
he is required to execute, to direct him and to stop him.
Their action should be progressive, and in accordance with
that of the legs.

When the trooper makes use of the reins, the arms should
act with suppleness, and their movements ought to extend
from the wrist to the shoulder.

The Use of the legs.

The legs serve to urge the horse forward, to support him,
and to aid him in turning to the right and to the left.

[

SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER. 35

Whenever the trooper wishes his horse to move forward, he
should close the legs by degrees behind the girths, causing
their effect to correspond with the sensibility of the horse,
taking care neither to open nor elevate the knees, of which
the bend should be always pliant. The trooper relaxes the
legs by degrees, as he closed them.

The Effect of the Reins and Legs Combined.

In elevating a little the wrists, and closing the legs, the
trooper " gathers his horse;" in elevating again the wrists,
he slackens the pace; in repeating this movement of the
wrists he stops the horse, or "reins back." The trooper
ought to elevate the wrists without curving them, at the
same time drawing them slightly towards the body.

In opening the right rein and closing the right leg, the
trooper turns his horse to the right. To open the right
rein, the right wrist is carried, without turning it, more or
less to the right, according to the sensibility of the horse.

In opening the left rein, and closing the left leg, the
trooper turns his horse to the left. To open the left rein,
the left wrist is carried, without turning it, more or less to
the left, according to the sensibility of the horse.

By lowering slightly the wrists, the horse is at liberty to
move forward; the closing the legs determines the move-
ment.

To March.

The instructor commands :

1. Squad forward. 2. MARCH.

At the command Squad forward, elevate slightly the
wrists, and close the legs in order to " gather the horse."

At the command March, lower slightly the wrists, and
close the legs more or less, according to the sensibility of
the horse. The horse having obeyed, replace the wrists
and the legs by degrees.

36 SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER.

To Halt.

After some steps, the instructor commands :
1. Squad. 2. Halt.

At the command Squad, the trooper gathers his horse,
without slackening his pace.

At the command Halt, the trooper braces himself in the
saddle; elevate the wrists at the same time by degrees, and
close the legs in order to prevent the horse from receding.
The horse having obeyed, replace the wrists and the legs
by degrees.

When the horse does not obey, cause him to feel succes-
sively the effect of each rein, according to his sensibility.

To Turn to the Right, and to the left.

The instructor commands :

1. Squad to the right (or to the left.} 2. March. 8. Halt.

At the command Squad to the right, gather the horse.

At the command March, open the right rein, and close
progressively the right leg. In order not to turn the horse
too short, perform the movement upon a quarter of a circle
of three paces. The movement being almost completed,
diminish the effect of the rein and the right leg, support-
ing the horse at the same time with the left rein and leg to
terminate the movement.

At the command Halt, elevate slightly the wrists, and
hold the legs near, in order to keep the horse straight in the
new direction; replace the wrists and the legs by degrees.

To Turn-about to the Eight, and to the Left.
The instructor commands :

1. Squad to the right-about (or to the le/t-about.) 2. March.
3. Halt.

This movement is executed on the principles prescribed

SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER. 37

for the turn to the right or to the left, with this difference,
that the horse should pass over a semicircle of six paces,
and face to the rear.

To Make a Quarter-turn to the Right and to the Left.
The instructor commands :

1. Squad right oblique (or left oblique'). 2. March.
3. Halt.

At the command Squad right oblique, gather the horse.

At the command March, open a little the right rein, and
close slightly the right leg, in order to make the horse exe-
cute a quarter-turn to the right ; cause the horse to feel,
almost at the same time, the effect of the rein and the left
leg, to terminate the movement without increasing the de-
gree of obliquity.

At the command Halt, elevate slightly the wrists and
close the legs, to keep the direction of the quarter-turn to
the right; replace the wrists and the legs by degrees.

To Rein-back, and to Cease Reining-back.

The instructor commands ;

1. Squad — Backwards. 2. March. 3. Squad. 4. HALT.

At the command Squad baclcicards, gather the horse.

At the command March, keep a firm seat, elevate the
wrists, and close the legs. As soon as the horse obeys,
lower and elevate successive^ the wrists, which is called
yielding and checking. If the horse throws the haunches
to the right, close the right leg ; if he throws them to the
left, close the left leg. If these means are not sufficient to
replace the horse in his proper position, open the rein on
the side towards which the horse throws his haunches,
causing him to feel, at the same time, slightly, the effect of
the opposite rein.

At the command Squad, the trooper prepares to stop.

At the command Halt, lower the wrists and close the

38 SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER.

legs. The horse having obeyed, replace the wrists and the
legs by degrees.

To Dismount.

The instructor causes the stirrups to be let down and the
feet put in them. He then commands :

1. Prepare to Dismount.

One time and two motions.

1. At the command Prepare TO DISMOUNT, Nbs. 1 and
3 of the front rank move forward six paces, Nos. 2 and 4
of the rear ?-ank rein-bach four paces, and keep themselves
opposite their intervals. The troopers of each rank dress by
the right. Pass the right rein of the snaffle into the left
hand, the extremity of the reins leaving the hand on the
side of the thumb.

Dismount.

One time and two motions.

1. At the command Dismount, rise upon the left stirrup;
pass the right leg extended over the croup of the horse,
without touching him, and bring the right thigh near to
the left, the body being well sustained ; place at the same
time the right hand upon the cantle of the saddle, slipping
it along the reins without letting them go; descend lightly
to the ground, the body erect, the heels upon the same line.
Let go the mane with the left hand ; engage the extremity
of the reins in the left cloak-strap with the right hand,
which then seizes the left rein.

2. Make a face and two steps to the left, stepping off with
the left foot; slip the right hand along the left rein, seize
with the same hand both reins at six inches from the mouth
of the horse, the nails downward, and take the position of
the trooper be/ore mounting.

Form — Ranks.

At the last part of the command, which is Ranks, Nbs.

SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER.

89

1 and 3 of each rank elevate slightly the right hand to 7ceep
the horse quiet : Nos. 2 and 4 return to their intervals
gently.

Length of the Stirrup.

They are of the proper length if, when the trooper raises
himself on the stirrup, there is a space of six inches be-
tween the fork and the saddle.

Fig. 26.

Position of the Foot in the Stirrup.

The stirrup should support only the weight of the leg
the foot ought to be inserted one-third of its length, the
heel lower than the toe. Fig. 26.

The stirrup should support only the weight of the leg : if
the trooper bore too much upon the stirrups, his seat would

40 SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER.

be deranged as well as the position of the legs, and the
justness of their action would be impaired.

The foot ought to be inserted one-third of its length : if
the trooper did not insert the foot sufficiently far in the stir-
rup, he would risk losing them, particularly during the
lively gaits. If the foot were inserted too far, the legs
would not fall naturally.

The heel lower than the toe : that the foot may keep the
stirrup without effort and without stiffness; that the play of
the joint with the hg may remain free, and that the spur
being further removed from the horse, there is less danger
of its being improperly employed.

Position of the Bridie-Hand with Curb.

The reins with their slide in the left hand, the little fin-
ger between the reins, the other fingers well closed, and the
thumb upon the second joint of the first finger; the elbow
slightly detached from the body, the hand four inches
above the pommel of the saddle, the fingers six inches from
and turned toward the body; the little finger a little nearer
the body than the upper part of the wrist, the right hand
at the side. Fig. 26.

The Principal Movements of the Bridie-Hand,

In raising slightly the hand and drawing it in toward the
body, the trooper gathers his horse ; in raising it still more,
the gait is made slower. By increasing the effect of the
hand, the horse is stopped ; if increased still more, the
horse is reined back.

In lowering slightly the hand, the horse is at liberty to
move forward.

In carrying the hand forward and to the right, the horse
is turned to the right.

In carrying the hand forward and to the left, the horse
is turned to the left.

As soon as the horse obeys, the bridle-hand resumes its
original position.

SCHOOL OP THE TROOPER. 41

In all the movements of the hand, the arm should act
freely, without communicating constraint to the shoulder or
body; the effect of the curb being more powerful than that
of the snaffle, it should be used, progressively.

ARTICLE SECOND.

Manual for Colt's Revolver.

The trooper being mounted, holding the reins as pre-
scribed, the pistol either in the holster or pistol-case, the
instructor will command :

Draw — Pistol.

Two times.

1. At the first command, unbuckle the holster or pistol-
case, seize the pistol by the hand with the right hand, hold-
ing it between the palm of the hand and the three last fin-
gers, the fore-finger resting on the guard, the thumb on the
handle;

2. At the second command, draw out the pistol and ele-
vate it, the guard to the front, the wrist at the height of,
and six inches from the right shoulder.

Load in six times.

1. Load.

One time and one motion.

Place the pistol in the bridle-hand, holding it by the
handle in front of the body, the hammer between the
thumb and fore-finger, and turned to the left, the muzzle
pointing upward. Carry the right hand to the cartridge-
box and open it.

2. Handle — Cartridge.

One time and one motion.

Seize the cartridge with the thumb and the first two fin-
gers, and carry it to the mouth.

42 SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER.

3. Tear — Cartridge.

Bite off the end and carry the cartridge opposite the
chamber nearest the lever.

4. Charge — Cartridge.

One time and two motions.

1. Empty the powder into the chamber and insert the
ball, pressing it down as far as possible with the thumb and
forefinger.

2. Turn the pistol with the left hand, bringing the ham-
mer toward the body, and cock it with the thumb of the
right hand.

5. Ram — Cartridge.

One time and two motions.

1. Seize the lever at the catch with the thumb and fore-
finger of the right hand, ram down the ball and replace the
lever.

2. Let down the hammer with the right hand, and carry
the hand to the cartridge-box.

Repeat as above until all the chambers are loaded.

6. Prime.
One time and two motions.

1. Lower the muzzle toward the right side by turning
the wrist of the bridle-hand, the muzzle pointing down-
ward, the hammer to the front, the left wrist resting against
the stomach; half-cock the pistol with the left thumb, turn
the cylinder with the thumb and forefinger of the right
hand until it clicks. Take a cap and press it ou the ex-
posed cone. Turn again the cylinder until it clicks, and so
on until all the cones are capped, the hammer resting on
the safety notch.

2. Seize the pistol at the handle with the right hand, and
bring it to the position of draw pistol.

The instructor wishing to fire, will command :

SCHOOL OP THE TROOPER.' 43

Ready.
One time and two motions.

1. Place the pistol in the left hand, the little finger
touching the key, the barrel nearly vertical, the muzzle a
little inclined to the left and front, the guard to the front,
the thumb on the head of the hammer, the forefinger along
the guard.

2. Cock the pistol, and bring it to the position of draw
pistol.

Aim.

One time.

Lower the pistol, the arm half extended, and place the
forefinger lightly on the trigger, the muzzle directed to the
height of a man's waist.

Fire.

One time.

Press the forefinger steadily on the trigger, fire, and, re-
take the position of draw 'pistol.

The men being at a ready, and the instructor wishing to
fire all the barrels in quick succession, will give an intima-
tion to that effect, and then command :

1. Aim. 2. Fire.

The men will aim and fire, come to the first position of
ready, cock, aim, and fire again, and so continue until the
pistol is discharged; then take the position of draw pistol.

The instructor wishing to reload, will command:

Load at Will.

Load.

One time.

Load the six chambers as heretofore prescribed, and take
the position of draw pistol.

44 SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER.

Return Pistol.
One time.

Lower the muzzle of the pistol, and return it to the hol-
ster or pistol-case.

When the troopers become well instructed in the use of
the pistol, the following mode of coming to a ready will be
substituted for the above :

Ready.

Incline the muzzle of the pistol to the front, the wrist re-
maining six inches from the shoulder; place the first joint
of the thumb on the head of the hammer, and cock it by
an extension of the thumb, and resume the position of
draw pistol.

BASIS OF INSTRUCTION.

45

IPjP^TIT third.

BASIS OF INSTRUCTION.

Explanation of

G

; , C Captain Commanding

S

ft C Second Captain.
^ — Lieutenant.

L

S

| L Second Lieutenant.

s

£ — Sergeant.

B

fj — Bugler.

C

1 — Corporal.

— Men of Front Rank.

— Men of Rear Rank.

The rank of the several sergeants is designated by figures
placed with the signs.

46 BASIS OF INSTRUCTION.

Posts of the Officers and Non- Commissioned Officers of a
Squadron- in line. (Fig. 27.)

The Captain commanding is posted at the centre of the
squadron, the croup of his horse one pace in front of the
heads of the horses of the front rank.

The 2d Captain three paces in rear of the centre of the
squadron. He is charged with the alignment of the rear
rank and file closers.

The senior 1st Lieutenant commands the first platoon, the
other 1st Lieutenant commands the fourth platoon.

The senior 2d Lieutenant commands the second platoon,
the other 2d Lieutenant commands the third platoon.

Each of these officers is posted at the centre of his pla-
toon, with the croup of his horse one pace in front of the
heads of the horses of the front rank.

The senior Sergeant is posted behind the third file from
the right of the first platoon ; he is the principle guide
when the column of squadrons is left in front.

The 2d Sergeant behind the third file from the left of the
fourth platoon ; he is principal guide when the column of
squadrons is right in front.

The 3d Serjeant is posted on the right of the front rank
of the squadron ; he is not counted in the rank.

The 4th Sergeant on the left of the front rank ; he is not
counted in the rank.

The 5th Sergeant on the left of the first platoon

The 6th Sergeant on the right of the second platoon.

The 7th Sergeant on the right of the third platoon.

The 8th Sergeant on the right of the fourth platoon.

The heads of the -horses of all the file closers are at one
pace from the croup of those of the rear rank.

The corporals are posted in the front rank on the right
apd left of their respective platoons, and supply the places
of the Sergeants when necessary.

When guidons are used, they are carried by the non-com-
missioned officers on the left of the first and third platoons.

BASIS OF INSTRUCTION. 47

Posts of the Officers of a Squadron in Order of Column.
In column of fours and twos. (Fig. 28.)

.' The Captain commanding marches on

£?{]§$£ the side of the guides, and four paces

r- p, from the flank, and abreast of the centre

pSL of their squadrons.

pyj The second Captain marches on the

jSSiW S^e opposite to the guides, four paces
£p| from the flank, and abreast of the cen-

(S tre of their squadrons.

G-J The Senior 1st Lieutenant of the

sfizED squadron marches at the head of the 1st

platoon, one pace in advance of the first
files, having the particular guide of the
right on his right.

The chiefs of the other platoons march

Zi^9> on the side of the guides, one pace from

cf\^fed W the flank of the column, and abreast of

5M5 their first files; the file-closers march on

CJj the side opposite to the guides, one pace

till from the flank, and on a line with the

l<1 centre of their platoons.

gj] They all march in a similar manner on

|p] the flanks of the column when the left

_A (0Pi is in front; and, in this case, it is the

pcoft junior 1st Lieutenant who marches in

p^i . the column at the head of the 4th pla-

m^Viz toon of the squadron.

£75? The particular guide, who in line is

g3 posted on the left of the squadron,

L2 marches behind the last files of the

sfpU squadron j when the column is left in

front, he takes post on the left of the oflfi-

Fig. i>8. cer commanding the fourth platoon, one

pace in front of the left file.

"When the nature of the ground obliges the officers and

48

BASIS OF INSTRUCTION.

Mfr»

file-closers to enter the column, the movement is made suc-
cessively; the Captain commanding, and the chiefs of pla-
toons, place themselves at the head ; the second Captain
and the file-closers, in rear of their respective troops.

The primitive order is resumed as soon as the nature of
the ground will permit.

> In column of Platoons. (Fig. 29.)

In this order, the distance from
one platoon to another, measured
from the men of one front rank to
those of another front rank, is
equal to the front of a platoon ;
that is to say, it is twelve paces if
the platoons are of twelve files.
Subtracting the depth of two
ranks, which is six paces, there re-
mains six paces from the croup of
the horses of the rear rank of one
platoon, to the heads of the horses
of the front rank of the next pla-
toon, a distance which is equal to
half of the front of a platoon.

The Captain commanding

marches on the side of the guides,

four paces from the flank of the

column, and habitually abreast of

Fig. 29. the centre of the squadron.

The second Captain marches on the side opposite to the

guides, four paces from the flank of the column, and abreast

of the centre of the squadron.

The 1st and 2d Lieutenants march at the centre of their
platoons, one pace from the front rank y when forming part
of a regiment, those who command the platoons at the head
of squadrons, preserve, besides their distance, the ground
necessary to enable each squadron, in wheeling into line, to
maintain its interval.

BASIS OF INSTRUCTION.

49

The Sergeants, who arc file-closers, march on the side
opposite to the guides, behind the third file of their pla-
toons.

"/W/wv^ a *

-_

*1

Fig. 30.
is in front.

When the column marches right in
front, the particular guide of tie right
of the squadron marches on the right
of the first platoon j and the particu-
lar guide of the left places himself
as file-closer behind the second file
from the left of the fourth platoon.

The posts of these Sergeants is the
reverse when the left is in front.

In column of /Sections. (Fig. 30.)

The squadron being composed of
sixty-four files, when it is broken into
sections, the 1st Lieutenant of the
squadron marches at the head of the
first section of the first platoon ) the
chiefs of the other platoons remain
on the side of the guides, one pace
from and on a line with the front
rank of their first section.

The file-closers who command the
second sections, march on the side
opposite to the guides, one pace from
and on a line with the front rank.

The posts of the commandants of
sections is the reverse when the left

50 BASIS OF INSTRUCTION.

In column of Divisions. (Fig. 31.)

The Captain com-
manding, and the second
Captain, are posted as
in column of platoons.
The senior 1st Lieu-
cjftt ; a tenant commands the

$ $m 1st division, the other

1st Lieutenant the 2d ;
they remain, however,
at the centre of their
platoons.

All the other officers

and Sergeants of each

division are posted as

Fjs- 31- prescribed in the order

in column of platoons, the file-closers remaining in their

places, on whatsoever side the guide may be.

Posts of Officers and Non- Commissioned Officers of a
Company acting singly.

The Captain in front of the centre, one pace distant from
the front rank.

The 1st Lieutenant in rear of the centre, in the rank of
file-closers.

The 2d Lieutenant commands the 1st platoon ; in the ab-
sence of a 3d Lieutenant, the 2d platoon is commanded by
the senior Sergeant. The chiefs of platoons are posted one
pace in front of the centre of their respective platoons.

The first Sergeant in rear of the right, in the rank of
file-closers.

The 2d and 3d Sergeants on the right and left of the
troop, not told off.

A non-commissioned officer is posted on the left of the
1st platoon, and on the right of the 2d.

BASIS OP INSTRUCTION. 51

Corporals, next to the Sergeants who are on the flanks
of platoons.

The Saddler and Farrier in rear of the left of the troop
eight paces retired from the line of file-closers; and the
Buglers twenty paces in rear of the centre.

52 SCHOOL OP THE PLATOON,

IPJ^TIT FOURTH.

SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON

Preluninai-y remarJcs.

The troopers being sufficiently instructed to manage their
horses and use their arms, are passed to the school of the
platoon, the object of which is to teach them to exercise
properly together, and execute all the movements of the
platoon in the squadron, whether in column or in line.

Each movement, after having been correctly executed by
the right, is repeated by the left, following the same prin-
ciples, but by inverse means; the commands being the same,
except the substitution of Left for Right, and the reverse.

When the movements are all executed at the walk, the
instructor causes them to be repeated at the trot, requiring
always the same simultaneous action and the same precision.
This gradation is also followed for the exercise at the gal-
lop ; but the horses are not kept a long time at this gait.

The platoon is composed of twenty-four or thirty-two men
{twelve or sixteen files), including the Corporals, placed io
the squadron in line; a non-commissioned officer is placed
as file-closer; another non-commissioned officer is charged
with aiding the instructor; he is termed assistant instruc-
tor.

When the platoon is broken in order to march in column,
the assistant instructor, at the preparatory command, places
himself at one pace in front of the first files. In all the
formations and marches in line, he places himself at cms

SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON. 53

pace in front of the centre of the platoon, the post of the
chief of the platoon j the instructor moves wherever his
presence is most required.

The platoon is formed in two ranks, at open order, the
troopers and file-closers at the head of their horses, the
assistant instructor mounted, facing the platoon, at ten paces
from, and opposite the centre; the instructor commands:

1. Attention. 2. Right— 'Db.y&s. 3. Front.
He then commands :

In each rank — Count (by) fours.

Which is executed, commencing by the right.

The troopers then mount by the times, and without ex-
planation.

At the command Form — Ranks, the assistant instructor
moves forward, turns to the right-about, and places himself
at the centre of the platoon, the croup of his horse one pace
from the head of the horses of the front rank. The file-
closer follows the rear rank.

General Principles of Alignment.

The troopers, to align themselves, should regulate their
shoulders upon those of the men on the side of the align-
ment, and fix the eyes upon the line of the eyes, so as to
perceive the breast of the second trooper of their rank on
the side of the alignment; for this purpose, they should
turn the head, remaining square upon their horses, feel
lightly the boot of the man on the side of the alignment,
and keep the horses straight in the ranks, that all may have
a parallel direction.

The troopers of the rear rank, independently of the
alignment, should be exactly behind their file-leaders, and
in the same direction, taking care to preserve the distance
of two feet from head to croup.

54 SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON.

Successive Alignment of Files in the Platoon.

rj The two files of the right or of the

V left are moved forward ten paces, and

aligned parallel to the platoon by the

r la J^ commands: 1. Two files from right (or

J0\ ffi ^ left) forward ; 2, March; 3. Halt ;

002 4. Right (or left)— Dress ; 5. Front.

Jwv.^ a i ^ne instructor then commands :

™ffiW ! -! D „ . i ■ , -j "v -p,

mmM .x 2. Front.

Fig. 32. Figure 32. At the last part of the

first command, which is Dress, each file moves forward suc-
cessively and steadily, the troopers turning the head to the
right and taking the last steps slowly, in order to arrive
abreast of the files already formed without passing beyond
the alignment, observing then to halt, give the hand, relax
the legs, and keep the head to the right until the command
Front.

• Each file executes the same movement when the preced-
ing one has arrived on the base of alignment, so that only
one file may align itself at the same time.

At the command Front, turn the head to the front.
The instructor gives the command Front when the last
file is aligned.

Figure 33. When the troopers exe-

^ cute correctly these alignments, this in-

g, -\ struction is repeated in giving the two

7 /■' \ files of the right an oblique direction.

^ For this purpose, the two files having

t W^ marched forward four paces, as has been

^ prescribed, execute a half -turn to the

right, or to the left, and march six paces

in this new direction.

The platoon being unmasked, the re-
Fig. 33. mainder of the movement is executed

jwffinift-

SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON. 55

by the commands and following the principles prescribed
above ; each file as it arrives nearly opposite the place it is
to occupy, executes a half-turn to the right, or to the left, so
that having left the platoon by one straight line, it arrives
upon the new alignment by another.

The two files of the right or of the left, are made tP rein
back four paces, and align themselves parallel to the pla-
toon and opposite the place they occupied in it, by the com-
mands : 1. Tie o files from the right (or left) backwards ;
2. March; 3. Halt; 4. Eight (or left) — Dress; 5.
Front. The instructor then commands :

1. By file — right (or left) backwards — Dress. 2. Front-

Figure 34. At the last part of the first command, which
is Dress, each file reins back successive-
U ly, keeping perfectly straight, the troop-

™ ers turning the head to the right, and

passing a little to the rear of the files al-
filiffffilttiiD'": ft ready formed, in order to come up abreast
i^ of them by a movement to the front
^y which renders the alignment more easy.
tig| The troopers of the front rank rein

back slowly, those of the rear rank regu-
Fig. 34. late themselves upon their file leaders,

preserving always their proper distance.
• At the command Front, turn the head to the front.

The alignment is then executed by twos (or by fours.)
For this purpose the two or four files of the right move
forward as has been prescribed, and the instructor com-
mands :

i. By ticos (or by fours) — right (or left) — Dress.
2. Front.

At the last part of the first command, which is Dress,
the files align themselves successively by twos (or by fours),
following the principles prescribed for the alignment by

56 school of the platoon.

file, being particular to set out and arrive upon the align-
ment together.

At the command Front, turn the head to the front.

Alignment of the Platoon.

The platoon being in line, the instructor places the Cor-
poral of the flank on which he wishes to align it in such a
position that no trooper will be forced to reign back, and
commands : m

1. Right (or left) — Dress. 2. Front.

At the last part of the first command, which is Dress,
all the troopers align themselves promptly, but with steadi-
ness.

At the command Front, turn the head to the front.

In all the alignments, the Corporal of the opposite flank
aligns himself promptly on the one toward the side of the
alignment, without respect to the individual alignment of
the troopers.

To Open and Close the Banks.

To open the ranks the instructor commands :

1. Rear rank open order. 2. March. 3. Right — Dress.
4. Front.

Figure 35. At the command

March, the front rank remains inf*

j* moveable, the rear rank reins back

y six paces, each trooper preserving

the direction of his file-leader. The

,^a^ file-closer reins back until he is six

[UllIIllllMl paces from the rear rank. The as-

gg^^g^j sistant instructor moves forward six

~ ...y,/yw.x*' <e Paces? an(i faces the platoon by a

IjifMlWwm ' turn-about to the left.

Pig. 35. At the command Right — Dress,

the rear rank dresses to the right.

At the command Front, turn the head to the front.

SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON. 57

To close the rank the instructor commands :

1. Rear rank close order. 2. March. 3. Right — Dress.
4. Front.

Figure 36. At the command March, the rear rank

closes upon the front a*

^/V to the distance of two . 8

, it ] feet, each trooper tak- II

ing care to preserve $|

•. "~~V ^~ tne direction of his r|

file-leader. The assis- a

tant instructor resumes S

Fig. 30. his place at the centre J

of the platoon, by a turn-about to the 0

right, and the file-closer takes his proper fi

distance from the rear rank. ft

At the command Right — Dress, the (|

platoon is aligned to the right. ft

To Rein Back the Platoon. x i.g

The platoon being halted, the instruc- B ^0

tor commands :

1. Platoon backwards. 2. Guide right
(or left.) 3. March.

At the command March, all the
troopers rein back at once, regulating // u/\

their movements by those of the guide.

When the platoon has reined back
Borne steps, the instructor commands :

1. Platoon. 2. Halt. 3. Right (or

left) — Dress. 4. Front. /J'''^'1-

To Sreak the Platoon by File. 9 ^ ,.
The platoon being in line the instruc- OMlllltllfflM
tor commands: "M/i/i/l/l/]/l/(7|

1. Byfde. 2. March. ^

Fie. 37.

a

m \

.

58 SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON.

Figure 37. At the command by file, the troopers of the
first file gather their horses, and the others successively, as
soon as the file on the right is in motion.

At the command March, the first file of the right moves
straight to the front ; it is followed by the other file ; each
file moves off when the haunches of the rear rank horse of
the file which has broken, arrives at the head of the horses
of the front rank ; each file marches six paces straight to
the front, makes a quarter-turn to the right, and marches in
the new direction until it reaches its place in the column,
when it makes a quarter-turn to the left.

Direct March in Column by File.

The troopers should keep their horses straight, and march
at a free and equal gait; they should keep their eyes to the
front and continue in the direction of the column, so as to
perceive only the trooper who marches before them, to
march at the same gait with him, preserving always the
distance of two feet from head to croup, that his own horse
may not tread upon the heels of the horse in front. This
distance should be recovered gradually when lost.

To Halt, and to Commence the March in Column.

The column marching, to halt it the instructor commands :
1. Column. 2. Halt.

At the command Halt, the troopers stop together in the
direction of their file-leaders and at their distances, taking
care to prevent their horses from stepping back.

To move off, the instructor commands :

1. Column forward. 2. MARCH.

At the command March, the troopers move off steadily
together.

The column being at a halt, if the instructor wishes it to
commence the move at a trot, he will command :

SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON. 59

1. Column forward — trot. 2. MARCH.

In this case the assistant instructor moves off promptly
at a trot, that the troopers in his rear may take this gait at
once, without marching first at a walk.

To halt the column marching at the trot, the instructor
commands :

1. Column. 2. Halt.

Individual Oblique March.

The column marching by file, the instructor commands :
1. Left (or right) oblique. 2. MARCH.

At the command March, each trooper executes a quar-
ter-turn to the left, and moves forward in his new direction,
all following parallel lines, and regulating themselves to-
ward the right, in order to keep on the same line, and to
preserve their distances on that side.

To return to the primitive direction, the instructor com-
mands :

Forward.

At this command the troopers return to the original di-
rection, by a quarter-turn to the right, in advancing, to move
forward in the direction of their file-leaders.

The Platoon Marching in Column by "File, to Form it to
the Front, to the Left, or on Right, into Line.

To Form Front into Line.
■•-
The column marching right in front, to form it to the
front into line, the instructor commands :

1. Front into line. 2. March. 3. Halt. 4. Right —
Dress. 5. Front. ,

Figure 38. At the command March, the first file con-
tinues to march straight forward. The others oblique im-
mediately to the left, march in this new direction, and each

60

SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON.

/s

file makes a quarter-turn to the right
on coming opposite the place he is to
occupy in the platoon.

When the first file has marched
twenty paces, the instructor commands
Halt. At this command, it halts
square to the front ; the other files
come up and form successively on the
left of the first, and dress to the right.

At the command Front, turn the
head to the front.

The instructor gives the command
Right — D ress immediately after
Halt, and commands Front when
the last file is aligned.

To form to the Left into Line.

The column m archil

right

\\V\\

i.vtv

front, to form it into line upon its
left flank, the instructor commands :

1. Left into line. 2. March. 3.
Halt. 4. Eight — Dress. -5. Front.

At the command March, the first
file turns to the left and moves
straight forward ; the other files con-
tinue to march on, and at two paces
before arriving opposite the place
they are to occupy in the platoon,
they turn successively to the left.

When the first file has marched

twenty paces, the instructor com-

xy. a. mands Halt. At this command it

( v- a halts; the other files come up and

S form successively on the left of the

0 first, and dress to the right.

Fig. 38.
At the command Front, turn the head to the front,

SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON. 61

The instructor gives the command 7?^— -Dress imme-
diately after Halt, and commands Front when the last
tile is aligned.

To Form on Right into Line.
The column marching right in front, to form into line
upon the prolongation and in advance of its right flank the
instructor commands : ;

1. On riyht into line. 2. March. 3. Halt. 4. Right—
Dress. 5. Front.

| At the command March, the first file

to turns to the right and moves straight for-
ward ; the other files continue to march
aa on, and each turns successively to the
right at one pace beyond the point where
the one preceding turned.
T m • When the first file has marched twenty
(I ffil k Paces, the instructor commands Halt.
H J At this command it halts; the other files
come up and form successively on the left
£g of the first, and dress to the right.
^ At the command Front, turn the head

p to the front.

The instructor gives the command Right
/m — Dress immediately after Halt, and
//jf j commands Front when the last file is
///! i aligned.

• I
/// To Break the Platoon by Twos or by

j/j Fours.

///nx ! The platoon being in line, the instruct-

?lL%. |_j or commands :

iLjjjJj" 1- By &*■ (or hy fours). 2. March.
Ml^ltf/lllllfl 3. Guide left,

M&mm\ Figs. 30 and 40. At the command

siTl March, the first two or four files of the

Fig 39 right move straight to the front : they

62

SCHOOL OP THE PLATOON.

are followed by the other files, who move off when the
haunches of the horses of the rear rank are on a line with
the heads of the horses of the front rank. These files
march straight forward six paces, execute a quarter-turn to
the right by trooper, and march in this direction until they
meet the column, when they take their places in it by ma-
king a quarter-turn to the left.

The command guide left is given immediately after that
of March, that the trooper on the left of the front rank of
twos or fours, who becomes guide of the
,A(f column, may take at once a point of di-

rection.

After breaking by twos, Nos. two and
four being guides, keep their eyes to
g the front. After reaching the column,
Nos. one and three dress upon them.

After breaking by fours, Nos. four
become guides of each rank.

Direct March in Column by Twos or
by Fours.

The principles of the direct march
in column by file, are applicable to the
column by twos or by fours.

The trooper on the left of the first
rank of twos (or fours) is guide of the
column ; he keeps his eyes to the front,
moves straight forward, and marches so
that the troopers of his rank may be at
one pace from the croup of the sub-in-
The trooper on the left of each of the

MW5M

i/i/i/i/i/i:i/i/i/]fl

Fig. 40.

structor's horse.

other ranks, who is guide of his rank, preserves the head
direct, and keeps at the distance of two feet from his file-
leader, and in the same direction ; the other troopers of each
rank look occasionally towards the guide, in order to align
themselves and regulate upon him their rate of march.
They feel lightly the boot towards that side, and yield to
all pressure coming from it. When the march is by fours,
they resist all pressure coming from the opposite direction.

SCHOOL OP THE PLATOON. 63

When the platoon marches left in front, the guide is to
the right, and in other respects the troopers conform to the
same principles.

Change of Direction. ^

The column marching by sSfiSSSS^^
twos or by fours, right or left lA^A

in front, the instructor commands : ^ **•

Head of column to the left (or to the right.') £h

At this command the assistant-instructor com- ffj
mands :

Fig. 41.

1. Left — Turn. 2. Forward.

Figs. 41 and 42. At the first part of A pi *k
the first command, which is Left, the left ^ |§ || .';•.
trooper, who is pivot, prepares to turn at \i\L. \

the same gait, the trooper of the opposite £}> j|^g fa
side to lengthen his. gg|

At the last part of the command, which (jfei

is Turn, the first rank of twos or fours §f(/p\

turn to the left. The pivot turns at the
same gait, describing an arc of a circle of
five paces. The trooper on the opposite side turns in length-
ening the gait; the other troopers turn the head towards
the marching flank, to regulate their rate of march, feeling
at the same time lightly the boot on the side of the pivot.

At the command Forward, the troopers who had in-
creased the gait resume the precise pace at which they
were before moving, and the head of the column marches
straight forward in the new direction.

Each rank executes the same movement on arriving upon
the ground where the first has turned.

The assistant-instructor should give the command Left in
sufficient time to command Turn, when he is at three paces
from the point indicated for the change of direction ; he
executes his movement in lengthening slightly the gait

64

SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON.

without leaving the centre of the front rank, regulating
himself upon the marching flank, so as to give the command
Forward at the instant the front rank, having executed a
quarter of a wheel, is in a direction perpendicular to the
former one.

4
■m

&

l/Mh

pi

M/ I ■' I lit

mf(f

I////

///

/ // *'U

wi /

iA! / l

m

F5*;. 4:

m///

£££& I ,' '

limy / •

n

Fi«. 4*i

Individual Oblique March.

The column marching by twos or by fours, the instructor

com man

ands :

SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON. 65

1. Right (or Ufi) oblique. 2. March.

Figures 43 and 44. At the command March, each
trooper executes a quarter-turn to the right.

The trooper on the left of the first rank, who is guide of
the column, moves straight forward in the new direction,
and parallel to the assistant-instructor. The trooper on the
left of each of the other ranks, who is guide of his rank,
moves forward also in the new direction, observing the
guide of the column so as to keep on the same line, and in
a parallel direction with him.

The other troopers move forward, looking occasionally to
the left so as to align themselves upon their guide. Each
a one places the right knee behind the left

knee of the man on the right, and the
head of his horse opposite the lower part
of the neck of the horse on his right.
The troopers march thus, in each rank,
during the oblique march.

To return to the primitive direction,
the instructor commands — Forward,
when the troopers make a quarter-turn to
the left in advancing, and move forward
in direction of their file-leaders. -

The Platoon Marching1 in Column by
Twos or by Fours, to form it to the
Front, to the Left, or on Eight, into
Line.

To form to the front.

The platoon marching in column right
in front, to form line to the front, the in-
structor commands :

1. Front into line. 2. MARCH. 3.
Halt. 4. Eight— Dress. 5. Front.

Figures 45 and 46. At the command
March, the two (or four) first files con-
tinue to march forward; the other ranks
Fig. 4^>. of twos (or fours) oblique to the left,

6<o

SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON.

march in the direction, and make a quarter-turn to the right
on coming opposite the place they are to occupy in the
platoon.

When the first files have marched twenty paces, the in-
structor commands Halt. At this command, they halt
square to the front; the other files come up and form suc-
* cessively on their left, and dress to the

^ right.

At the command Front, turn the head
to the front.

The instructor gives the command
Right-DRESti immediately after that of
Halt, and commands Front when the
last rank of twos or fours is aligned.
To form to the left.
The column marching right in front, to
form line upon its left flank, the instruc-
tor commands :

1. Left into line. 2. March. 8. Halt.
4. Right — Dress. 5. Front.

Fig. 46.

Figures 47 and 48. At the com-
mand March, the two (or four) first
files turn to the left and move straight
forward; the other ranks of twos (or
fours) continue to march on, and at
three paces before
arriving opposite
the place they are
to occupy in the
platoon, turn sue- f§£i|£|Bl
cessively to the
left.

Fi«. 47

SCHOOL OP THE PLATOON.

67

T

When the first files have marched
twenty paces, the instructor com-
mands: Halt. At this command
the first files halt square upon the
line; the other files come up and
form successively on their left, and
dress to the right.

At the command Front, turn
the head to the
front.

The instructor
gives the com-
mand Right-* ^-, ^
Dress irnmedi- gj@||^
ately after that ~ ^
of Halt, and b'
commands
Front when the two (or four) last files are aligned.

To Form on the Right into Line.

The column march-
ing right in front to
jig form line upon the
prolongation, and in
advance of its right
flank, the instructor
commands:

imirZ~JZ

Fig. 48.

<%

m

E3>^

1. On

the

right

into line.

2.

March.

3.

Halt.

4.

Eight

— Dress.

5

Front.

ffl

Fig. 49.

Figures 49 and 50. At the command
March, the two (or four) first files turn to
the right and move straight forward ; the
other ranks of twos (or fours) continue to
march ou, and each turns successively to the
right, at three paces beyond the point where
the preceding rank has turned. "When the

68

m

f/VM

SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON.

first files have march-
ed twenty paces, the
instructor commands
Halt. At this com-
mand, the first files
halt square upon the
line; the other files

come up and form successively on their

left, and dress to the right.

At the command Front, turn the head

to the front.

The instructor gives the command Right

— Dress immediately after that of Halt,

and commands Front when the two (or

four) last files are aligned.

F'm. 50.

To Form the Platoon to the Left m One Rank.

« The platoon being formed in

v two ranks, the instructor com-

mands :

1. Left into single rank. 2.
March. 3. Front. 4. Halt.
5. Right — Dress. 6. Front.

Figure 51. At the command
March, the front rank moves for-
ward six paces, dressing by the
right; the trooper on the left of
the rear rank hums to the left and
moves forward; he is followed by all the other troopers
of that rank, who execute successively the same move-
ment.

At the command Front, the trooper on the left of the
rear rank turns to the right, and the other troopers succes-
sively, when they have arrived nearly opposite the place
they are to occupy in the rank.

fa

' ji 1 Mm

| l/l Mi W/JZR/i
Fig. 51.

SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON. 69

At the command Halt, the trooper on the left halts,
and successively the others, on arriving abreast of him.

At the command Right — Dress, all the troopers of the
rear rank dress to the right.

At the sixth command, which is Front, turn the^head
to the front.

The instructor gives the third command, which is
Front, the moment that one-third of the rear rank in
column have passed the front rank; he commands Right —
Dress, when the trooper on the right of the rear rank has
fronted.

To Form the Platoon to the Right in Two Ranks.

The platoon being in one rank, the instructor desig-
nates the trooper who is to be on the left of the front

rank, also the one to be on the

J^ right of the rear rank, and

commands :

\ 1. Right into two ranks. 2.

m March. 3. Right— Dress.

; 4 Front.

; :|ill_„i Jill Figure 52. At the command

SA March, the front rank moves

forward six paces, dressing by
the right ; the trooper on the
Fig. 52. right of the rear rank turns to

the right as soon as the front rank has passed, and moves
forward obliquing to the right ; when he is nearly in rear
of the trooper on the right of the front rank, he fronts by
turning to the lift. All the other troopers execute succes-
sively the same movement, placing themselves exactly be-
hind their iile-leaders and at their proper distances.

At the command Right — Dress, all the troopers align
themselves to the right.

At the command Front, turn the head to the front.
The instructor gives the command Right — Dress, when
the trooper on the right of the rear rank has turned to the
front.

70 SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON.

To Form Twos and Fours at the same Gait.

^3 The platoon marching in column by file,

GO right in front, to form twos the instructor

(|/) commands :

fH 1. Form twos. 2. MARcn.

(£ Figure 53. At the command March, the

W first file continues to march on, and halts

when it has marched ten paces ; the second

j(f $l](i\$ n^e obliques to the left, and comes up abreast

(f of the first j on arriving there, it halts and

0 dresses to the right. All the other files

^> continue to march straight forward, Nos.

^ two and four executing their movement in

. the same manner, but successively, and when

Nos. one and three, upon which they should

form, have nearly arrived at their proper

distance, and are about to halt.

0 The platoon marching in column by twos,

(\ right in front, to form fours the instructor

jTj commands :

1. Form fours. 2. March.

Figure 54. At the command March, the

p. r two first files continue to march on, and halt

' ' when they have marched ten paces ; the two

■A\§ following files oblique to the left, and come

up abreast of the first two ; on arriving

there, they halt and dress to the right. All

the other files continue to march straight

forward, Nos. three and four executing their

movement in the same manner, but succes-

*p^ S sively, and when Nos. one and two, upon

which they should form, have nearly ar-

M rived at their proper distance, and are about

J7j5] to halt.

Qfj When the column is at a trot, the forma-

tion of twos and fours at the same gait is
•*! executed following the same principles. The

fli

SCIIOOL OF THE PLATOON. 71

first, or first two files, pass to the icalky at the command
March ; The others continue to march at the trot, until
they have arrived abreast of those on which they should
form ; then they pass to the walk.

When the column is at a gallop, the movement is exe-
cuted following the same principles. The first, or first two
files, pass to the trot at the command March ; the others
continue to march at the gallop, until they have executed
their formation : then they pass to the trot.

To Break by Twos and by File at the same Gait,

To Break by Twos.

The platoon marching in column by fours, right in front,
to break by twos the instructor commands :

1. By twos. 2. March. 3. Guide left.

j\| Figure 55. At the command By twos, all

£| the troopers prepare to halt, except Nos. one

&& and two of the leading files.

U At the command March, Nos. one and

ffe> two of the leading files continue to march

ijj] M $S at the same gait ; all the others halt. Files

II three and four of the leading rank oblique

H to the right the moment they are passed by
the croup of the horses of the rear rank of

$f • Nos. one and two, and place themselves in

column behind them.

Each rank of fours executes successively
MM the same movement, files one and two break-
Fig. 55. ing as soon as files three and four of the
rank which precedes them have commenced obliquing in
order to enter the column.

Files one and two, which break to the front, regulate
their gait so as to preserve their distances ; and files three
and four keep their horses straight so as not to constrain
the movements of files one and two.

72 SCHOOL OF THE TLATOON.

To hreah hy file.

y A The platoon marching in column by twos,

a right in front, to break by file, the instruc-

ts tor commands :

a 1. By file. 2. March.

Figure 56. At the command By file, all

a the troopers prepare to halt except the right

l| file of the leading rank of twos.

(') At the command March, the right file

of the leading rank of twos continues to

march at the same gait ; all the others halt.

y The left file of this same rank obliques to

i the right, the moment it is passed by the

$ croup of the rear rank horse of No. one, and

$ ! places itself in column behind the first file.

| r &i-'Jk Each rank of twos executes successively

aJ 0S the game movement, files one and three

S breaking as soon as files two and four who

precede them have commenced obliquing

[§j in order to enter the column.

fitj\ Files one and three, which break to the

fh front, regulate their gait so as to have their

distances. Files two and four keep their

^ horses straight, so as not to constrain the

Fig. 56. movements of files one and three.

When the column is at the trot, to break by twos or by

file is executed on the same principles ; the right files of

the leading rank continues at the trot; all the others take

the walk at the command March, and resume the trot, in

order to enter the column ; when the column is at the gallop,

the files which are to break take the trot at the command

March, and afterwards resume the gallop on entering the

column.

SCHOOL OF THE TLATOON. 73

To Form Twos and Fours in Doubling the Gait.
To form twos.

The platoon marching in column by file, right in front,
to form twos the instructor commands :

1. Form twos — trot. 2. March. 3. Guide left.

At the command Form tioos — trot, all the troopers pre-
pare to take the trot, except the leading file.

At the command March, all the troopers take the irotf
except the leading file ; the second file obliques to the left,
and conies up abreast of the first; on arriving there it
takes the walk ; all the other files continue to march for-
ward at the trot. Files four and two execute their move-
ment in the same manner, but successively, when three and
one, upon whom they are to form, have nearly arrived at
their distance, and are about to pass to the walk.

To form fours.

The platoon marching in column by twos, right in front,
to form fours the instructor commands :

1. Form fours — trot. 2. March. 3. Guide left.

At the command Form fours — trot, all the troopers pre-
pare to take the trot, except the two leading files.

At the command March, all the troopers take the trot,
except the two leading files ; the two following files oblique
to the left, and come up abreast of the two first ; on ar-
riving there they resume the walk ; all the other files con-
tinue to march forward at the trot. Files three and four
execute their movement in the same, manner, but succes-
sively, when files one and two, upon whom they are to form,
have nearly arrived at their distance, and are about to pass
to the walk.

When the column is at the trot, the movement is execu-
ted on the same principles. At the command March, all
the troopers pass to the gallop, except the files at the head
of the column, and resume the trot when their formation is
executed.
4

74 SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON.

To Break by Twos and by File in Doubling the Gait.

To break by twos.

The platoon marching in column by fours, the instructor
commands :

1. By twos — trot. 2. March. 3. Guide left.

At the command by twos — trot, files one and two of the
leading rank of- fours prepare to trot.

At the command March, they commence the trot ; all
the other files continue to inarch at the walk ; files three
and four take the trot successively and oblique to the right,
in order to place themselves in column behind files one and

two.

To break by file.

The platoon marching in column by twos, right in front,
to break by file, the instructor commands :

1. By file — trot. 2. March.

At the command By file — trot, the right file of the lead-
ing rank of twos prepares to trot.

At the command March, it commences the trot ; all the
other files continue to march at the walk ; files two and
four assume the trot successively and oblique to the right,
in order to place themselves behind files one and three in
the column.

When the column is at the trot, to break in doubling the
gait, the instructor commands : 1. By ticos (or by file) — •
gallop; 2. March; which is executed on the same prin-
ciples.

When the column is at the gallop, the files which are to
break take the trot at the command March, and afterwards
resume the gallop on entering the column.

SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON. 75

Direct March of the Platoon in Line.

The principles of the direct march give the troopers the
means,

1st. Of preserving the alignments in marching without
being disunited ;

• 2d. Of not closing too much, and of recovering the re-
quired distances when they have closed ;

3d. Of not opening, and of closing upon each other
again when they have opened;

4th. Of not throwing the guide out of his direction, and
of permitting him to return to it if he ha« been forced
out.

The most important point in the direct march being to
keep the horses straight in the ranks, it is indispensable
that the troopers should preserve the head erect.

To keep themselves aligned, the troopers should feel
lightly the boot of the men on the side of the guide, and
march at an equal gait.

The troopers should yield to all pressure coming from
the side of the guide, and resist that coming from the op-
posite side.

The guide should always inarch at a free and steady
gait, and change it with steadiness in order to avoid irregu-
larity in the ranks.

If the troopers are in front or in rear of the alignment,
too near to or too far from the man on the side of the guide,
they move from or approach him gradually, and in gaining
ground to the front.

When the guide feels himself thrown out of his direc-
tion, he extends his arm to • the front to indicate that
there is too much pressure toward him. Then the troop-
ers carry the hand toward the opposite side, give a glance
to the guide, and straighten their horses as soon as the
guide is relieved.

When the platoon is halted, the alignment is ordered to^
wards the si-de of the guide.

76 school or the platoon.

To march the platoon forward, the instructor com-
mands :

1. Platoon forward. 2. Guide right (or left. 3. March.

At the command March, all the troopers move straight
forward, at the same gait with the men on the side of the
guide.
. To halt the platoon, the instructor commands :

1. Platoon. 2. Halt. 3. Eight (or left) — Dress.
4. Front.

At the command Halt, the troopers stop.

At the command Right — Dress, they align themselves.

At the command Front, turn the head to the front.

Counter-march.

The platoon having arrived at the extremity of the
ground, in order to change the direction, the instructor com-
mands :

1. Counter-march — hy the right-flank. 2. By file to the
right. 3. March.

pvv <[SI Figure 57. At the command

:- rf$H ^ Counter-march — by th e r ig h t

Li".".".". "$j& | g flank, t h e assistant instructor

,-;;.::-rfr-vL;::^^ ^j places himself facing to the rear

r ,i^1 at six paces from the rear rank,

[[':'^W) and in such a position that the

%-*K trooper who is to be placed on his

left may find himself in the direc-

Q* tion of the left file of the platoon.

The file-closer places himself on

Fig. 57. the right of the platoon, facing to

the right, the croup of his horse one pace from, and on the

line of haunches of the horses of the rear rank, in order to

mark the wheeling point.

At the command March, the trooper on the right of
each rank turns to the right, the rear rank man joining

SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON. 77

in his movement the front rank man ; they then wheel to-
gether to the right, the latter lengthening a little his gaii ;:
they pass before the file-closer, very near the croup of the
horses of the rear rank, and are followed by the other troop-
ers, who execute successively the same movement, taking
care to pass over the same ground.

When the first file is within two paces of the assistant-in-
structor, who indicates the point on which it is to form, the
instructor commands :

1. Front. 2. Halt. 3. Itight — Dress. 4. Front.

At the commands Front and Halt, the first file turns
to the left and halts, the trooper of the rear rank taking
care to slacken the pace, and place himself exactly behind
his file-leader. All the other files execute successively the
same movement.

At the last command, which is Front, turn the head to
the front.

The instructor gives the command Right — Dress, imme-
diately after that of halt, and commands Front, when the
last file is aligned.

The assistant-instruetor and file-closer return to their
places.

Wheelings.

There arc two kinds of wheels: the wheel on a fixed piv-
ot, and the wheel on a moveable pivot.

The wheel is always on a fixed pivot, except when the
command is right (or left) — Turn.

The troopers should execute this movement without dis-
uniting, and without ceasing to observe the alignment.

In every kind of wheel, the conductor of the marching
flank should measure with his eye the arc of the circle he
is to pass over, so that it may not be necessary for the files
either to open or close. He turns his head occasionally to-
wards the pivot j if he perceives that the troopers are too
much crowded, or too open, he increases or diminishes grad-

78 SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON.

ually the extent of his circle, in gaining more ground to the
front than to the side.

Each trooper in the front rank should describe his circle
in the ratio of the distance at -which he may be from the
pivot. As these different arcs are all passed over in the
same time, it is necessary that each trooper should slacken
his pace in proportion to the distance from the marching
flank.

During- the wheel, the troopers should turn the head
slightly toward the marching flank, to regulate the rapidity
of their march and to keep themselves aligned; they should
also' feel lightly the boot on the side of the pivot, in order
to remain close to that side. They should, nevertheless,
yield to pressure coming from the pivot, and resist that from
the opposite direction. The horses are slightly turned to-
ward the pivot, in order to keep them upon the circular line
they have to pass over.-

In every kind of wheel, the troopers should cease wheel-
ing and retake the direct march at the command Forward,
at whatever point of the wheel they maybe; it is necessary
to observe, also, that the flanks which become pivots, or
marching flanks, do not slacken or augment the pace before
the command of execution.

To Wheel on a Fixed Pivot.

, The object of a wheel on a fixed pivot is, when the pla-
toon forms a part of the squadron, to pass from the order of
battle to the order of column, and the reverse.

The trooper who forms the pivot of the wheel turns upon
his own ground, without advancing or reining back, and
without passing to the right or to the left, so that the centre
of gravity of his horse remains always on the same point.
Thus, in wheeling to the right, the shoulders of the pivot
horse describes an arc of circle in passing from left to
right, while the haunches describe another in passing from
right to left

SCHOOL OF 1HE PLATOON. 7i»

The trooper at the pivot should turn his head slightly to-
wards the marching flank, that he may continue aligned on
the conductor of that flank.

When the platoon- is marching the pivot halts, and the_
marching flank executes its movement at the same gait as
before the wheel.

If tne instructor indicates a new gait, in order to wheel,
the marching flank wheels at this gait; all the other troop-
ers, who regulate the rapidity of their march in accordance
with their distance from the marching flank, take freely the
new gait at the command Forward.

When the platoon is halted after a wheel on a fixed piv-
ot, the. alignment is always ordered toward the side of the
inarching flank; but as the pivot should never move from
its place, the marching flank should come up abreast of it.

When the platoon is marched forward after a wheel on a
fixed pivot, the guide is ordered on the side of the march-
ing flank, immediately after the command Forward, un-
less the movement of the platoon in the squadron requires
the contrary.

The wheelings are executed at first ;n single rank : for
this purpose the front rank is marched forward," and halted
when arrived at a distance from the rear rank equal to
double its front; the file-closer remains at his place ; the
assistant-instructor places himself behind the front rank ;
each ot them observes the rank behind wliich he is placed.

The ranks being aligned, the instructor commands :

1.* Platoon in circle right (or left) ivheel. 2. MARCH.

Figure 58. At the command March, the troopers put
themselves in motion, turning the head toward the march-
ing flank. The non-commissioned officer who conducts this
flank marches at a walk, measuring with the eye the extent
of the circle he is to pass over, that neither opening nor
closing may be caused in the rank, and that the troopers
may keep aligned. The pivot man turns upon his own

80 SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON.

ground, regulating himself upon the
(Ja. 35 2a"N marching flank.

<^ \ When the platoon has made seve-

ral wheels, to halt it the instructor
commands :

/ 1. Platoon. 2. Halt. 3. Left (or
i^\ / right) — Dress. 4. Front.

i? ^-;---»" ^-r-;_'' * At the command Halt, the troop-

ra- •/** Vk, ~ ers straighten their horses and halt

^ \ with steadiness.

At the command Left (or right)
pff/HlMMlMI^ —Dress, they align themselves to-
\ «>» ward the side indicated. •

\ / At the command Front, turn the

\.^ j>« head to the front.

The two ranks are then marched
Fig. 58. forward', preserving between them

the same distance, and made to recommence the wheel.
When the instructor wishes the platoon to take the direct,
march, he commands :

1. Forward. 2. Guide left (or right.)

At the first command, which is Forward, the pivot re-
sumes the gait at which it was previously marching.

All the other" troopers straighten their horses, and the
two flanks move forward at the same gait, conforming to the
principles of the direct march.

•At the command guide left (or riyht), the troopers regu-
late their movement toward the side indicated.

When the troopers have executed several wheels to tlie
right and to the left, interrupted occasionally by direct
marches, and when the horses become calm, the instructor
causes them to pass to the trot; after several wheels at the
trot, they resume the walk.

If the platoon is wheeling to the right, and the instructor
wishes it to change the wheel to the left without halting, he
commands :

SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON; 81

1. Platoon in circle left wheel. 2. MARCH.

At the command March, the left flank halts, and be-
comes the pivot. The right flank assuming the gait at
which the left flank was marching, moves forward and
describes a circle proportionate to the extent of the front.
All the other troopers straighten their horses, and guide
them so as to pass over new circles in all inverse sense.

The troopers being sufficiently exercised at the wheels
in single rank at the walk and the trot, the ranks are closed
and the wheels executed by platoon, in following the same
gradation.

The instructor commands:

1. Platoon in circle right (or left) tcheel 2. March.

Fig. 59. At the command March, the troopers of the
front rank execute this movement, as prescribed. The
troopers of the rear rank turn the head and carry the hand
towards the marching flank, so that each one may be out of
the direction of his file-leader by two troopers. For this
purpose, the moment the wheel commences, each rear rank
man executes a quarter-turn to the left, sustaining the
haunches of the horse with the right leg, when the wheel

Fig. 59.

is to the right, (or a quarter-turn to the right, in sustaining
the haunches of his horse with the left leg when the wheel

82 SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON.

is to the left,) keeping during the wheel in the direction of
his new file-leader, and remaining at the distance of two
feet from the front rank. The two rear rank men on the
marching flank, who are without file-leaders, should describe
their circle without being farther outside of the front rank
than is necessary, and be able to resume their places behind
their file-leaders easily. During the wheel, they should
regulate their gait, so that the rear rank, which aligns itself
upon them, may be at its proper distance.
To stop the wheel, the instructor commands :

1. Platoon. 2. Halt. 3. Left (or right) — Dress.
4. Front.

At the command Platoon, the rear rank men straighten
their horses and return' to the direction of their file-leaders.

At the command Halt, all the troopers stop.

At the command Left (or right) — Dress, they align
themselves towards the side indicated.

At the command Front, turn the head to the front.

When the instructor wishes the platoon to resume the
direct march, he commands:

1. Forward. 2. Guide left (or right).

At the first command, which is Forward, the rear rank
men replace themselves behind their file-leaders, and march
straight forward.

To give the troopers the habit of correcting faults, the
pivot man is directed to bear against the rank, so that the
other troopers, feeling the pressure from that direction, may
learn to gain ground towards the marching flank. The
pivot is then directed to gain ground in the opposite direc-
tion, which would require the other troopers to approach
him gradually.'

When the troopers have acquired in the execution of
these movements, at the walk, the intelligence and skill
necessary to avoid confusion, they are repeated at the
trot.

The platoon being halted, to place it in a direction

SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON. 83

perpendicular to the original front, the instructor com-
mands :

1. Platoon right (or left) wheel 2. March. 3. Halt.
4. Left (or right) — Dress. . 5. Front.

Which is executed on the same principles of the wheel
on a fixed pivot.

The instructor gives the command Halt, when the
marching flank has nearly terminated its wheel.

The platoon being halted, to face it to the rear, the
instructor commands:

1. Platoon right-about (or left-about) icheel. 2. MARCH.
3. Halt. 4. Lejt (or right) — Dress. 5. Front.

Which is executed following the principles prescribed
for a wheel on a fixed pivot, the platoon passing over a half
circle.

The instructor gives the command Halt, when the
marching flank has nearly completed the half circle,, and
the platoon is on a line parallel to the original front.

The platoon being halted, to place it towards its right in
a direction oblique to the original front, the instructor com-
mands :

1. Platoon right half (or left half) wheel 2. March. .
3. Halt. 4. Left (or right) — Dress. -5. Front.

Which is executed on the principles of the wheel on a
fixed pivot.

The instructor gives the. command Halt, when the
marching flank has nearly completed its half-wheel to the
right or to the left.

Before dressing the platoon, the trooper on the marching
flank is made to come up abreast of the pivot man, so that
the other troopers will not have to rein-back in order to
align themselves. •

The platoon being on the march, the same movements
are executed at the commands: I. Platoon right (or
left) wheel, right-about' (ox left-about). wheel, right-half (or

.

84 SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON.

left-half) wheel: 2. March; 3. Forward; 4. Guide
right (or left).

At the command March, the wheeling flank wheels at
the gait at which the platoon was marching ; the pivot flank
halts.

At the third command, which is Forward, the pivot
resumes its original pace, and the two flanks move forward
at the same gait.

These movements being properly executed from a halt and
at the ivalk, are repeated at the trot.

To Wheel on a Moveable Pivot.

The wheel on a moveable pivot is employed in the suc-
cessive changes of direction in column. fl|

In this wheel) the object of the moveable pivot is to leave I
by degrees the ground on which the movement commences,
by advancing in the new direction.

The conductor of the marching flank should increase his
gait and describe his arc of circle so as to cause the files
neither to open nor close. The pivot describes an arc of
five paces in slackening the gait. In each rank, the troopers
from the centre to the marching flank increase the gait
progressively, so that the centre man preserves the gait at
which the platoon was marching. The troopers from the
centre to the pivot slacken the gait progressively. At the
end of the wheel on a moveable pivot, the portion of the
rank which had augmented its gait should slacken it, and
that which had slackened its gait should augment it. All
the troopers straighten their horses ; the marching flank
and the pivot resume the gait at which they originally
marched. »

The platoon being on the march, and supposed to be the
the head of the column, to cause it to change direction, the
instructor commands : ( .

'. Head of column to the right (or to the left).

At this command, the assistant-instructor commands :

1. Right (or left)— Turn. 2. Forward.

SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON. 85

Fig. 60. At the first part of the

first command, which is right (or left,)

the pivot prepares to slacken, and

& ^Si tne marching flank to augment the

^ll/^p gait.

««Mifej a At.th? sf0l;d- p£rt of\thVame

MfflttttMfii ' % command, which is Turn, the platoon

fflfflM® * turns to the left or to the right, the

stS pivot slackening its gait, in describing

Fig. 60. an arc of five paces; the marching

flank augments its gait, and regulates itself by the pivot

during the whole of the wheel.

At the last command, which is Forward, all the troopers
straighten their horses, the pivot and marching flank mov-
ing forward in the gait at which the platoon was originally
marching.

■a*

Individual Oblique March.

The platoon marching in line, to cause it to gain ground
towards one of its flanks, without changing the front the
instructor command :

1. Right (or left) oblique. 2. March.

Fig. 61. At the command March, the troopers execute
all at the same time, a quarter-turn to the right, so that the
head of each horse may be opposite the extremity of the
neck of the horse on his right, and that the right knee of
each trooper may be in rear of the left knee of the trooper
on his right. The first movement being executed, the
troopers move forward in the new direction, regulating
themselves upon the guide.

When the platoon has obliqued sufficiently, the instructor
commands : Forward.

At this command, the troopers straighten their horses,
and move forward, regulating themselves upon the guide.

In the oblique march, the guide is always on the ob-

86

SCHOOL OP THE TLATOON.

liquing side, without being indicated j and after the com-
mand Forward, the guide returns, without indication, to
the side on which was originally.

*i I&

nbDDOM

Fig. 61.

The Platoon Marching1 in Line, to Break it by Fours or
by Twos at the same gait.

The instructor commands :

1. By fours (or by twos). 2. March. 3. Guide left.

At the command March, the four (or two) first files
of the right continue to march forward at the same gait;
the other files halt and break successively by fours (or

SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON. 87

by twos,) according to the principles prescribed for break-
ing from a halt.

The platoon marching in line, to break it by file, the
movement is executed on the same principles, the first file
only continuing to march forward.

The platoon marching at the trot, it is broken on the
same principles, the first files continuing to march at the
same gait, all the other files assume the walk at the com-
mand March, and resume the trot as they break from the
platoon.

The Platoon Marching* in Column by Twos or by Fours,
to Form it at the same Gait.

The platoon marching in column, right in front, the in-
structor commands :

1. Form Platoon. 2. March. 3. Guide right.

The movement is executed as prescribed for front into
line from a halt.

The platoon marching in column at the trot, right in
front, the instructor commands :

1. Form Platoon. 2. March. 3. Guide right.

At the command March, the two (or four) first files
pass to the loalk ; the other files continue to march at the
same gait, oblique immediately to the left, march straight
forward in this direction, make a quarter turn to the right
on coming opposite the place they are to occupy in the pla-
toon, and pass to the icalk on arriving upon the alignment
of the first.

At the command Guide right, they dress towards the
right.

When the command is at the gallop, the platoon is formed
on the same principles. The two (or four) first files take

88 SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON.

the trot, at the command March ; the other files continue
to march at the gallop, and take the trot on arriving upon
the alignment of the first.

The Platoon Marching in Line, to Break it by Fours
or by Twos, in Doubling the Gait.

The instructor commands :

1. By fours (or by twos) — trot. 2. March. 3. Guide

left.

At the command March, the four (or two) first files of
the right take the trot ; the others continue to march at the
walk, and take successively the trot when they oblique to
the right, in order to enter the column.

The platoon marching at the trot, the instructor com-
mands :

1. By fours (or by tioos) — gallop. 2. March. 3. Guide
left.

Which is executed according to the principles prescribed
for marching at a walk.

The Platoon Marching in Column, by Twos or by Fours,
to Form it in Doubling the Gait.

The platoon marching in column, right in front, the in-
structor commands :

1. Form platoon — trot. 2. March. 3. Guide right.

At the command March, the two (or four) first files con-
tinue to march forward at the same gait; the other files
take the trot, oblique immediately to the left, march in
this direction, make a quarter-turn to the right on coming
opposite the place they are to occupy in the platoon, and
pass to the walk on arriving upon the alignment of the
first.

SCHOOL OF THE TLATOON. 89

At the command Guide right, they dress towards the
right.

The platoon marching in column at the trot, the right in
front; the instructor commands :

1. Form platoon — gallop, 2. March.' 3. Guide right*

When the column is at the gallop, the platoon is always
formed at the same gait.

When the column is marching by file, the platoon is
formed on the same principles.

Movements by Fours, the Platoon being in Column or
in Line.

The platoon being in column, right in front, the instruc-
tor commands :

1. By fours — left (or right) wheel 2. MARCH.

Figure 62. At the
command March, each
rank of fours executes
its wheel to thp left, ac-
cording to the principles
of the wheel on a fixed
pivot; Nos. four turn
Fig. G2. upon themselves, sustain-

ing with the left leg the
haunches of their horses, in order not to constrain the
movement of the rank immediately behind them ; all the
troopers regulate themselves towards the marching flanks.

The movement being nearly completed, the instructor
'commands :

1. Halt. 2. Right (or left.) — Dress. 3. Front.

At the command Halt, the troopers straighten their
horses and halt with steadiness.

90 SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON.

In this movement the front and rear rank execute sepa-
rately a wheel on a fixed pivot. Each rank of fours be-
longing to the rear rank is placed at the side of the rank
of fours, composed of its file-lenders. When the move-
ment is terminated, the platoon is in one rank.

The. platoon being hi one rank, it is put again in column
by the command :

1. By fours le.Jt (or right) wheel 2. MARCH.

Then the troopers of the rear rank are placed in front
of their file-leaders. In executing again two icheels to the
left bv fours, the platoon is put in its natural order.

In the first wheel to the left by fours, the leading rank
of fours should- execute its movements slowly, in order to
give the others time to execute theirs; but in the second
icheelto the left by fours, the last rank of fours, which be-
comes head of the column, should execute its movement in
lengthening a little the gait, so as not to retard the rear^of
the column.

The platoon being in column, and having executed a
wheel by fours as above described, to face it in the opposite
direction, the instructor commands :

1. By fours left-about (or right-about) wheel. 2. March.

At the command March, each rank of fours ivheels to
the left-about on the principles prescribed for the ifhcel to
the left by fours.

To halt, after having wheeled about, the instructor com-
mands :

1. Halt. 2. Right (or left) — Dress. 3. Front.

To put the platoon again in column in the natural order,
the instructor causes to be executed a wheel to the left

' °y fours.

When the column is marching, the movement is execu-
ted as prescribed, observing that, at the command March,

SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON. 91

the pivots halt immediately and turn upon themselves, sup-
porting with the left leg the haunches of their horses.

The movement being nearly terminated, the instructor
commands :

1. Forward. 2. Guide right (or left).

At the first command, which is Forward, the pivots
and all the other troopers, conforming to the principles
of the direct march, regulate themselves towards the
guide.

The platoon marching in column, and having made one
wheel to the left by fours, which puts it in single rank, the
instructor. causes to be executed a wheel to the left-about (or
to the right-about) by fours ; the movement being nearly
terminated, he commands :

1. Forward. 2. Guide right (or left).

To put the platoon again in column in the natural order,
the instructor causes to be executed a wheel to the left
(or to the right) by fours, and indicates the guide to the
left.

The platoon marching in column by fours, right in front,
to cause • it to march to the rear, the instructor com-
mands :

1. By fours left-about (or right about) wheel. 2. Marcii.
3. Forward. 4. Guide right (or left).

Which is executed on the principles prescribed for the
same movement from a halt observing that the ranks of
fours should finish the movement at the same time ; that
they should commence the last half of the wheel gently,
regulating themselves upon the last rank of fours, which,
becoming the head of the column, lengthens the gait so as
not to retard the others. After this movement, the troopers
of the rear rank are placed in front of their file-leaders.

92 SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON.

To put the column again, in the natural order, the in-
structor causes to be executed a wheel to the right-about (or
to the left-about) by fours.

The platoon being in line, to cause it to gain ground
towards its right or towards its left, the instructor com-
mands :

1. By fours right (or left) wheel. 2. March. 3. Forward:
4. Guide left (or right).

The platoon having wheeled to the right by fours, the
troopers are formed upon a front of eight. Each rank of
fours having executed the movement separately, the four
troopers of the rear rank find themselves on the right of
the four troopers of the front rank.

The platoon having wheeled to the right (or to the left) by
fours, and being upon a front of eight, to change the direc-
tion, the instructor commands :

Head of column to the left (or to the right).

At this command the assistant-instructor commands :

1. Left (or right) — Turn. 2. Forward.

This is executed as prescribed, each rank of eight
wheeling upon the same ground with the first as they
reach it.

To put the platoon again in line, the instructor com-
mands :

1. By fours left (or right) wheel. 2. March. 3. Halt.
4. Right (or left) — Dress. 5., Front.

The platoon having u-heeled to the right (or to the left)
by fours, and being formed upon a front of eight, to march
to the rear in this order, the instructor causes to be execu-
ted a wheel to the right or left-about.

SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON. 93

The platoon being in line, to cause it
to march to the rear, the instructor coin- rl)

mands :

./.

3

1. By fours left-about (or right-about)
it-heel 2. March. 3. Forward. 4.
Guide right (or left).

Figure 63. After this movement, the
rear rank is before the front rank, and
the ranks of fours are inverted through-
out the platoon. In

In the march to the rear, the platoon j I '
conforms. to the principles of the direct [IXiJjlHi'lJ
march. The instructor requires the same M/W\(\/WUW\
precision as when they march in the nat- ni

ural order. v

The platoon is faced to the front by Fig. G3.

the same movement.

To Charge by Platoon.

The charge wHl be practiced by file, by twos, fours, and
sections, before the charge by platoon.

Two troopers being stationed at two hundred paces from
the line to mark the new line.

To commence the move, the assistant-instructor com-
mands :

1. Platoon forward. 2. Guide right (or left). 3. March.

When the platoon has marched twenty paces, the assis-
tant-instructor commands :

1. Trot. 2. MARcn.

At sixty paces farther, he commands :

1. Gallop. 2. March.

94 SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON.

At eighty paces farther, he commands :
Charge.

At this command, the troopers of both ranks take the
position of Raise — Sabre. They give hand and lengthen
the gallop, without losing control of their horses or dis-
uniting.

When the platoon arrives at twenty paces from the
troopers who trace the new line, the assistant-instructor
commands :

1. Attention. 2. Platoon. 8. Halt. 4. Right (or left) —
Dress. 5. Front.

At the command Attention, the troopers carry the sabre
to the shoulder.

At the command Platoon, they take the trot.

At the command Halt, they stop.

At the command Right — Dress, they align themselves
to the right.

At the command Front, turn the head to the front.

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON. 95

jpj^ttrr fipth.

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

ARTICLE FIRST.

The object of the school of the squadron is to instruct
the platoons to execute together what they have been
taught separately, and to prepare the squadron to perform
what it will be required to do when a part of the regiment.

To make the formations in line better understood, they
are executed at first from a halt. In this case each platoon
performs its movements separately and successively, at the
command of its chief, on receiving notice from the captain
commanding.

Each movement, after having been correctly executed by
the right, is repeated by the left.

When the squadron has acquired calmness and confi-
dence, and one article is well understood, this article is re-
peated with sabres drawn, and alternately at all the gaits,
except the wheels to the right, to the left, to the right-about,
and to the left-about by fours, the counter-march, the wheels
on a moveable pivot by squadron, the individual oblique
marches when marching by squadron, which are executed
only at the walk and at the trot.

The second captain is charged with the alignment of the
rear-rank and the rank of file-closers ; he resumes his place
in line at the command Front.

The captain commanding moves wherever his presence

96 SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

is most required ; the troopers are required to observe abso-
lute silence, and all rectifications are done by signs, or in a
low voice.

The squadron being formed in two ranks opened, the non-
commissioned officers and troopers at the head of their
horses, the chiefs of platoons mounted, at ten paces from,
and facing the centre of their platoons, the captain com-
manding commands :

1. Attention. 2. Bight — Dress. 3. Front.

He then commands :

In each platoon — and in each rank — Count (by) Fours

At this command, the troopers count off in the four pla-
toons at once, commencing on the right of each rank.

The captain commanding then gives the command to
mount.

At the command Form — Ranks, the chiefs of platoons
move forward, face to the front by turning to the right-about ,
and place themselves before the centre of their platoons,
the croup of their horses one pace from the head of the
horses of the front rank. The file-closers follow the rear
rank.

Successive Alignment of Platoons in the Squadron.

The squadron being in line, the captain commanding
places the two non-commissioned officers, principal guides
of the right and left, upon a line parallel to the front of the
squadron, at thirty paces from the particular guides, and
facing each other as if they were placed on intermediate
points.

On receiving notice from the captain commanding, the
chief of the first platoon commands: 1. Platoon forward ;
2. Guide right ; 3. March.

At the command March, the platoon moves forward ;
at one pace from the point which marks the new align-
ment, the chief of the platoon commands: 1. Halt. 2.
Right — Dress.

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

97

At the command Halt, the chief of the platoon and the
particular guide of the right, continue to march on and es-
tablish themselves immediately, the latter bringing the head
of his horse against the boot of the principal guide of the
right.

The first platoon being correctly aligned, the first captain
commands :

1. By platoon — Right — Dress. 2. Front.

rg|s

D-

If j'j ^s 0go <tyj ! i ^

E2>

Fig. 64.

Figure 64. At the first command, the chief of the second
platoon commands : 1. Platoon forward : 2. Guide right :
3. March. Having arrived abreast of the file-closers of the
platoon which forms the base of the alignment, he com-
mands: 1. Halt: 2. Right — Dress, and at the same
time moves forward on the line of the chief of that platoon.

At the command Halt, the platoon stops. At the com-
mand Right — Dress, all the troopers move forward to-
gether upon the alignment.

Each chief of platoon executes successively tlie same
5

98

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

movement, commanding March when the one who pre-
cedes him has commanded Halt.

$ tThe particular guide of the left, at the command Halt
from the chief of the fourth platoon; brings up the head of

fl£

J SWIi Cl[jC SQJI,

•d~ — — ^ —— ^^nr^

Fig. 65.

his horse against the boot of the principal guide of the left.
The squadron being aligned, the captain commanding
commands : Front.

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON. 99

This alignment being correctly executed, it is repeated,
giving the new base of alignment a direction oblique to the
front of the squadron. For this purpose, the chief of the
first platoon, on receiving notice from the captain command-
ing, moves his platoon twenty-four paces forward, causes it
to execute a half-wheel to the right at the commands: 1.
Right half — Wheel ; Forward ; and after marching it
six paces in the new direction, he halts, and aligns it.

The first platoon being correctly aligned, the first captain
commands :

1. By platoon — Right— DRESS. 2. FRONT.

Figure 65. At the first command, the movement is
executed successively ; each chief of platoon moves straight
forward, and commands : 1. Right half- — Wheel: 2. For-
ward, so that his platoon may execute its wheel on a fixed
pivot at the moment the right arrives opposite the left of
the platoon which precedes it.

The squadron being aligned, the first captain commands :
Front.

Alignment of the Squadron.

The captain commanding, after having placed the right
particular guide, so that no trooper will be compelled to
rein back, commands :

1. Right — Dress. 2. Front.

At the command Right — Dress, all the troopers align
themselves steadily but promptly to the right.

The squadron being aligned, the first captain commands :
Front.

To open and Close the Ranks,

To open the ranks, the first captain commands :

1. Rear rank open order. 2. March. 3. Rights Dress.
4. Front.

This is executed as described in the School of the Pla-

100 SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

toon. The troopers of the rear rank rein back six paces;!
and the chief's of platoon, at the command March, move
forward six paces, and face the centre of their platoons by
turning to the left-about.

To close the ranks, the first captain commands :

1. Rear rank dose order. 2. March. 3. Right-*- -Dress.
4. Front.

This is executed as prescribed in the School of the Pla-
toon. The chiefs of platoon move forward at the command
March, face to the front by a turn to the right-about, and]
place themselves opposite the centre of their platoons.

To Break the Squadron by Fours.
The squadron being in line, the first captain commands :

1. By fours. 2. March. 3. Guide left.

At the first command, the chief of the first platoon places
himself in front of the four files of the right, the right par-
ticular guide places himself on his right.

At the command March, the first four files march
straight forward, and are followed by all the other files who
break successively.

The chiefs of the other platoons break with the first four
files of their platoons, keeping abreast of them and at one
pace from the flank of the column on the side of the guide,
each rank of fours preserving between them the distance
of two feet.

On arriving upon the drill ground, the first captain com-
mands :

1. Column. 2. Halt.
Direct March in Column by Fours.

When the column is halted, the captain commanding as-
sures himself that the officers, the file closers, and the par-
ticular guides, are placed as prescribed ; then he commands ;

1. Column forward. 2. March. 3. Guide left.

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON. 101

The column having marched by fours, a quarter of an
hour at least, the first captain commands :

1. Trot. 2. March.

At the command March, the troops take the trot, always
taking care not to fret their horses, and to calm them
should they become restive.

When the column has marched about one thousand paces
at the trot, the first captain commands :

1. Walk. 2. March.

Change of Direction.

The column marching in column by fours, right in front,
to change the direction, the first captain commands :

Head of Column to the left, (or to the right.')

This is executed as prescribed in the School of the Pla-
toon, the chief of the first platoon conforming to what is in-
dicated for the assistant instructor.

Individual Oblique March.

The squadron marching in column by fours, right in
front, to cause it to execute the individual oblique march,
the first captain commands :

1. Left (or right oblique.) 2. March.

Which is executed as prescribed in the School of the
Platoon.

The Squadron Marching in Column by Fours, to Form
it to the Front, to the Left, or on Eight into Line.

To form Front into Line.

The squadron marching in column by fours, right in
front, the first captain commands :

102 SCHOOL OF THE SQUADHON.

fcrTHT'j""-"!,^-,-, -t ~u^- -.-~r; «=*

W,

i i! I If*

\ \ \ \ N

i !j \\xA

j ji \\m

V« \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ ^

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ s

\ \ \ v \ \ \ \ \ \ m
\ v \ \ \ \ \ •; \ s.^a;

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ v \ nCS
\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ gg

v \ \ \ v \ v, . [vn
\ vv \ \ \ %> vv *£p?) «

\ \\\\.\\ mfa

\ \ \ \ \ \ fig]
\\W\tB

m

Fig. G6.

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON. 103

1. Front into line. 2. March. 3. Right — Dress.
4. Front.

Figure 66. At the command March, the four first files
continue to inarch straight forward j when they have march-
ed thirty paces, the chief of the first platoon commands :
Halt.

At this command, the first four files halt square to the
front, the particular guide of the right returns to the right
of the squadron. All the other files come up successively,
and without the commands of, the chiefs of platoon, form
to the left, and upon the alignment of the first.

The first captain, who moves to the right flank after the
command March, commands the alignment when the chief
of the first platoon commands : Halt.

The second captain moves also to the right flank, after
the command March, in order to rectify the alignment of
the rear rank and of the file-closers.

As soon as the chiefs of platoon arrive upon the line,
they place themselves at the centre of their platoons and
align themselves.

The particular guide of the left returns to the left of the
squadron, when the last four files arrive upon the line.

The first captain commands Front when the last four
files are aligned.

To Form to the Left into Line.

The column marching right in front, to form it in line on
its left flank, the first captain commands :

1. Left into line. 2. March. 3. Eight — Dress. 4. Front.

At the command March, the four leading files turn to
the left and inarch* straight forward; when they have
marched thirty paces, the chief of the first platoon com-
mands : Halt.

At this command, the four leading files halt, and the

104 SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

particular guide places himself on the right of the squad-
ron. All the other files come up successively, and without
the command of the chiefs of platoon, form to the left and
on the alignment of the first, observing to keep in the same
direction, before turning to the left, so as not to approach
the new line until the proper time.

The first and second captains, the chiefs of platoons, and
the particular guide of the left, conform exactly to what is
prescribed for the front into tine.

To Form on the Right into Line.

The column marching right in front, to form line upon
the prolongation, and in advance of its right flank, the first
captain commands :

1. On right into line. 2. March. 8. Right — Dress.
4. Front.

At the command March, the four leading files turn to
the right, and march straight forward ; when they have
marched thirty paces, the chief of the first platoon com-
mands : Halt.

At this command, the four leading files halt, and the
right particular guide takes his place on the right of the
squadron. All the other files continue to march forward,
and come up successively without the commands of the
chiefs of platoon, forming to the left and upon the align-
ment of the first, observing to keep themselves square in
the same direction before turning to the right, so as not to
approach the new line before the proper time.

The first and second captains, the chiefs of platoon, and
the left particular guide, conform exactly to what is pre-
scribed for the front into tine.

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

105

ARTICLE SECOND.

The Squadron being in Line, to Form it in Column
with distance.

c^

V"' A /' /V' /V-A A^A^v V

■> 7 r~/ t'vW^.1- . :>\j i 'n, ; j\i >w A/- a,

slZla

Fig. 67.

€*

The first captain commands :

1. Platoons r\gld-v:liceJ. 2. March. 3. Halt.

Figure 67. At the first command, the left file of each
platoon prepares to step off promptly, and the pivot to turn
upon its own ground.

At the command March, each platoon executes its wheel
to the right, following the principles of the wheel on a fix-
ed pivot, the marching flanks taking care to step off and
wheel together.

At the command Halt, the marching flanks and all the
troopers halt at the same instant, those of the rear rank re-
suming their places behind their file-leaders.

The first captain commands Halt, when the platoons
have nearly completed the wheels.

To March in Column with Distance.

The squadron being in open column, right in front, the
first captain commands :

1. Column forward. 2. March. 3. Guide left.

106

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

At the command March, all the platoons put themselves
in motion at the same time.

Before the column commences the march, the first cap-
tain gives the guide of the first platoon a point of direction ;
this non-commissioned officer selects intermediate points, so
as to be sure of marching straight. The fixed object being
given to the guide of the first platoon, is also pointed out
to the guide of the second.

Changes of Direction by successive Wheels.

In the open column,
the changes of direction
are executed by succes-
sive wheels on a movea-
ble pivot, so that the
march of the column
may not be retarded. The arc of cir-
cle described by the pivots should be of
five paces.

The column being in march, to change
the direction, the first captain com-
mands :

Head of column to the right or half-
right, for to the left or half-left.)
Fig. 68. J ;

Figure 68. At this command, the chief of the first pla-
toon commands : 1. Right— Turn. 2. Forward ; which
is executed on the principles of the wheel upon a moveable
pivot.

Each chief of platoon gives the same commands succes-
sively, so that his platoon may turn upon the same ground.
In this change of direction while marching, the princi-
pal guide of the right, at the command head of column to
the right, moves rapidly to the side of the pivot, and places
himself so that the head of his horse will mark the centre
point of the arc described by the pivot.

All the platoons commence their wheel at two and a half

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON. 107

paces before arriving abreast of the bead of the horse of
the principal guide of the right, so as to prevent the column
from being thrown out. This non-commissioned officer re-
sumes his place when the last platoon has completed its
wheel.

Immediately after having changed the direction of the
column, the first captain gives a new point of direction to
the guide of the first platoon.

Individual Oblique March.

t,^ The squadron marching in col-

umn, with distance, right in front,
to cause it to gain ground towards
one of its flanks, without changing
the front of the column, the first
captain commands :

1. Right (or left) oblique. 2.
March.

Figure 69. Which is executed
at the same time, in each platoon,
as prescribed in the School of the
Platoon.

The guides of the last three pla-
toons pay attention to march on the
same line, to preserve their dis-
tances, and to keep in a direction
exactly parallel to that of the guide
of the first platoon.
To resume the primitive direction, the first captain com-
mands :

Forward.

Which is executed at the same time, in each platoon, as
prescribed in the School of the Platoon.

When the oblique march is executed towards the side op-
posite to the guide, the file-closers preserve their places not-
withstanding the change of guide.

108 SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

Change of Gait, being in Column with Distance.

The column is made to pass from the ivalk to the trot,
and from the trot to the walk, and when the platoons exe-
cute these changes of gait with uniformity and steadiness,
the column is made to commence the march at a trot, and
to halt while marching at the trot.

To Break by Fours, by Twos, and by File; to Form Twos,
Fours, and Platoons at the same Gait.

The squadron marching in column with distance, right
in front, to break by fours at the same gait, the first cap-
tain commands :

1. By fours. 2. March. 3. Guide left.

At the first command, repeated by the chief of the first
platoon, this officer places himself in front of the first four
files, and the particular guide of the right places himself
on his right.

At the command March, repeated by the chief of the
first platoon, this platoon breaks by fours, as prescribed in
the School of the Platoon, and the chiefs of the last three
platoons command Halt.

The chief of the second platoon, and successively those
of the third and fourth command by fours, in sufficient
time to command March, the moment the last four files of
the preceding platoon commence their oblique movement in
order to enter the column.

The squadron marching in column by fours, right in
front, to break by twos, at the same gait, the first captain
commands :

3 . By twos. 2. March. 3. Guide left.

The chiefs of platoon conform to what is prescribed in
order to break by fours, and give the commands : Halt,
and then 1. By twos ; 2. March, so as to cause no confu-
sion in the column.

• SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON. 109

The squadron marching in column by twos, right in
front, to break by file at the same gait, the first captain
commands :

1. By file. 2. March.

Which is executed as prescribed in the School of the Pla-
toon, the particular guide of the right placing himself be-
hind the chief of the first platoon.

The squadron marching in column with distance, at the
trot, right in front, to break by fours, at the same gait, the
first captain commands :

1. By fours. 2. March. 3. Guide left.

At the first command, repeated by the chief of the
first platoon, this officer, and the particular guide of the
right, place themselves as prescribed in the School of the
Platoon, and the chiefs of the last three platoons command:
Walk.

At the command March, repeated by all the chiefs of
platoon, the first platoon breaks by fours, and the last three
platoons take the walk.

The chief of the second platoon, and successively those
of the third and fourth, command By fours — trot, in suffi-
cient time to command March, when the last four files of
the preceding platoon commence their oblique movement
in order to enter the column.

The same principles are applicable to breaking by twos
and by file.

When the column is at the gallop , these movements are
executed on the principles just prescribed, the whole col-
umn except the first four files passing to the trot and resu-
ming successively the gallop, as the files break in order to
enter the column.

The squadron marching in column by file, right in front,
to form twos at the same gait, the first captain commands :

1. Form twos. 2. March.
At the command Form twos and March, successively
repeated by the chief of the first platoon, this platoon exe-

110 SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

cutcs its movement : the particular guide of the right moves
to the right of the chief of the first platoon, who com-
mands Halt, after having marched ten paces.

The three other platoons continue to march by file, and
execute successively their formation at the commands of
their chiefs, who do not command March until the first
files of their platoons arrive at their proper distance.

The squadron marching in column by twos, right in
front, to form fours, at the same gait, the first captain com-
mands :

1. Form fours. 2. March.

Which is executed as prescribed to form twos.

The squadron marching in column by fours, right in
front, to form platoon at the same gait, the first captain
commands :

1. Form platoons. 2. March.

At the first command, the chief of the first platoon com-
mands: Form platoon.

At the command March, repeated by the chief of the
first platoon, the particular guide of the right places him-
self on the right of this platoon, which forms as prescribed ;
the chief of the platoon commands Halt, after having
marched twenty paces.

The other platoons continue to march in column by fours,
and form successively at the commands : 1. Form "platoon ;
2. March, given by their chiefs in sufficient time to com-
mand Halt, when the first four files of their platoon arrive
at six paces from the platoon which precedes.

When the column is at the trot, the same principles are
conformed to, except that instead of halting, the first two
or four files of the first platoon pass to the walk, at the
command March given by their chief. The other platoons
continue to march at the trot, and execute their movement
at the same gait, the first two or four files of each platoon
passing also to the ivalk, at the command March given by
their chiefs, when they arrive at their proper distance.

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON. Ill

When the column is at the gallop, to form twos, fours,
etc., the same principles are observed, the first two or four
files of each platoon passing to the trot at the command
March, given by their chief.

When these formations are executed at the trot, and at
the gallop, the guide is announced by the first captain as
soon as the first files have doubled, or the first platoon is
formed; in the last ease only, eaoh clrief of platoon re-
peats the command of the guide as soon as his platoon is
formed.

To Break by Fours, by Twos, and by File ; to Form Twos,
Fours, and Platoons, in Doubling the Gait.

The squadron marching in column with distance, right
in front, to break by fours, in doubling the gait, the first
captain commands :

1. By fours — trot. 2. March. 3. Guide left.

At the first command, repeated by the chief of the first
platoon, this officer places himself in front of the first four
files, and the particular guide of the right on his right.

At the command March, repeated by the chief of the
first platoon, the first four files take the trot, the others take
the trot when they oblique to enter the column.

The other platoons continue to march at the walk ; their
chiefs command successively by fours — trot, in sufficient
time to command March, the moment the last four files of
the preceding platoon commence their oblique movement in
order to enter the column.

These principles are applicable to breaking by twos and
by file.

When the column is at the trot, to break at the gallop,
the same principles are observed, at the commands : 1. By
fours^-gallop ; 2. March: 3. Guide left.

When the column is at the gallop, these movements are
always executed at the same gait.

The squadron marching in column by file, to form twos,
in doubling the gait, the first captain commands :

112 SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

1. Form twos — trot. 2. March. 3. Guide left.

At the command form twos, trot, and March, succes-
sively repeated by the chief of the first platoon, this platoon
executes its movement as prescribed in the School of the
Platoon, and the particular guide of the right moves to the
right of the chief of the first platoon.

At the first command, the chiefs of the last three pla-
toons command : trot. At the command March, repeated
by them, the last three platoons take the trot.

The chief of the second platoon, and successively those
of the third and fourth, command : Form twos, in sufficient
time to command March, the moment the first file of their
platoons is nearly at its proper distance; the first file then
passes to the walk.

The squadron marching in column by twos, to form fours,
in doubling the gait, the first captain commands :

1. Form fours — trot. 2. March. 3. Guide left.

Which is executed as prescribed in order to form twos.
The squadron marching in column by fours, to form pla-
toon, in doubling the gait, the first captain commands :

1. Form platoons — trot. 2. March. 3. Guide left.

At the first command, the chief of the first platoon com-
mands: Form 'platoon — trot.

The chiefs of the last three platoons command trot.

At the command March, repeated by these officers, the
first platoon forms as prescribed in the School of the Pla-
toon, and the particular guide of the right places himself
on the right of this platoon.

The last three platoons take the trot, and form succes-
sively at the command Form platoon, given by their
chiefs in sufficient time to command March, when the
first four files arrive at their proper distance from the pla-
toon which precedes them j then these first four files take
the walk.

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

11;

The first captain commands guide Ir/t when the first pla-
toon is formed, and gives a point of direction.

Each chief of platoon repeats successively the command
of the guide as soon as his platoon is formed.

When the column is at the (rot, these formations are ex-
ecuted at the gallop, following the same principles, at the
commands : 1. Form twos, or form Jours, or form platoons —
gallop-, 2. March.

The Squadron Marching in Column with Distance, to

Face it in the Opposite Direction, and to Face it

Again to the Front.

The squadron marching in open column, right in front,
the first captain commands:

1. Platoons left-ahout wheel 2. March.

Figure TO. At the first command, the trooper on the left
of each platoon, who becomes the pivot, prepares to halt,
without, however, slackening his pace.

cr

<E3

Fig. 70.

At the command March, the pivots halt, and the
marching flanks wheel at the gait in which the column

114 SCHOOL OP THE SQUADRON.

•was marching, regulating themselves upon the outer flank
of the platoon at the head of the column, so as to complete
the first half of the movement at the same instant.

The marching flanks are then governed by the platoon,
which becomes the head of the column after the movement
is completed.

The movement being nearly finished, the first captain
commands :

1. Forward. 2. Guide right.

During this movement, the particular guide of the
left places himself on the left of the fourth platoon; the
particular guide of the right takes his place as file-closer in
rear of the second file from the right of the first platoon,
and the other file- closers pass to the side opposite to the
guide.

To cause the squadron to resume its primitive direction,
the first captain commands: 1. Platoons right-about xchecl)
2. March; 3. Forward; 4. Guide left.

To Halt the Column.

The column being on the march, to halt it, the first cap-
tain commands :

1. Column. 2. Halt.

At the first command, all the platoons prepare to halt.

At the command Halt, all the platoons halt at the same
time.

To Form Line on the Left.

The squadron being in column with distance, right in
front, to form it in line on its left flank, the first captain
commands :

1. Left into line wheel. 2. March. 3. Halt. 4. Right —
Dress. 5. Front.
Figure 71. At the first command, the particular guide
of the right moves upon the prolongation of the direc-^
tion of the guides of the column, at the distance of the
front of a platoon, facing the side towards which the line
will be formed.

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

115

At the command March, the squadron wheel into line,
the trooper on the left wing of each platoon serving as pivot,
and turning upon his own ground.

The first captain commands Halt, the moment the
marching flanks have nearly completed their movement,
and then Right — Dress.

At this command, all the platoons align themselves.

The squadron being aligned, the first captain commands
Front.

During the wheel, the particular guide of the left re-
sumes his place in line.

The first captain, after having commanded left into line
wheel, assures himself, before commanding March, that the
particular guide of the right is exactly upon the direction
of the guides of the column.

Immediately after commanding halt, he moves rapidly
to the right flank of the squadron, to observe that the pivots
execute their movements properly, and that the officers and
troopers align themselves correctly.

The particular guide, who moves upon the prolongation
of the guides of the column, should take rather too much

ground than not

enousrh. The conductor of the marching

flank of the leading platoon should align himself upon his
guide, without endeavoring to approach him.

To Break by the Right to March to the Left.

The squadron being in line, the first captain commands :

1. Platoons break by the right — 4o march to the left, 2"
March.

116

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

Figure 72. At the first command, the chief of the
platoon commands: 1. Platoon forward. 2. Guide left.

At the command March, repeated by the chief of th
first platoon, this platoon marches ten paces to the front
turns to the left, and moves forward at the commands : 1.
jjefi — Turn. 2. Forward.

The chief of the second platoon, and successively those
of the third and fourth, command : 1. Platoon forward . 2.
Guide left; when the chief of the platoon on their right
commands March j and they command March, when the

. gSid cjfc sfs j i &$ !

xnfi — ^—

^AV\ V\ ^/'/V WvA'VWVVv v^vn/V /vV\ ^A'VVVVV

L — ■ —

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Fig. 72.

chief of that platoon, after having turned to the left, com-
mands : Forward.

To Form Line to the Eight by Inversion.

The squadron marching in open column, right in front,
upon its right flank by inversion, the

to form it into line
first captain changes
mands :

the guide; for this purpose, he com-

Guide right.

The second captain passes by the rear of the column to
the side opposite to the guides; the first captain passes by
the head of the column to the side of the new guides, rec-
tifies their direction, then halts the column, and commands:

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

117

1 By inversion right into line wheel 2. MARCH. 3. Halt.
4. Left— Dress. 5. Front.

During the movement, the particular guide of the left
places himself on the right of the fourth platoon, and the
particular guide of the right, who moves on the prolonga-
tion of the new guides of the column, remains on the lett
of the first platoon. m •„

To put the squadron again in column, right in iront, the
first captain commands: 1. Platoons left wheel % MARCH.
3. Halt (or Forward). 4. Guide left.
To Break to the Rear by the Right to March to the I-eft.

5 jijj

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, *j./^,\ j

- VA/W1 '."y."

is

4

The squadron being in Jk
line, the first captain com-
mands : -UU---

1. Platoons hreak by the right to the rear — to march to the
left. 2. March.
Figure 73. At the first command, the chief of the first
platoon commands : Platoon right-about wheel

At the command March, repeated by the chief of the
first platoon, this platoon executes its wheel to the right-
about ; when nearly terminated, its chief commands : 1.
Forward; 2. Guide left ; and after marching ten paces
straight forward, he commands: 1. Right — Turn; 2. For-
ward.

The chief of the second platoon, and successively those
of the third and fourth commands: Platoon right-about

118

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

wheel, when the chief of the platoon on their right com-
mands March, and they command March, when that pla-
toon has passed over three-fourths of its first wheel,

To Form on Right into tine.

lift

<:fic

•sfii

' .".;

figy-a

A 4

The squadron marching in col-
umn with distance, right in front,
to form it in line on the prolonga-
tion and in advance of its right
flank, the first captain commands :

1. On right into line. % MARCH.
3. Guide right. 4. Frojst.

Figure 74. At the first com-
mand, the chief of the first platoon
commands: Right.

At the command March, he

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON. 119

commands Turn ; the platoon turns to the right and moves
forward at the command Forward; when it has marched
thirty paces, its chief commands : Halt, and then Right —
Dress.

The other platoons continue to march forward, without
approaching the line ; as soon as each one arrives abreast
of the fourth file from the left of the platoon which should
be on its right, its chief commands : 1. Right — Turn ; 2.
Forward ; this platoon then directs itself towards the
place it is to occupy in line, and on arriving abreast of the
file-closers, its chief commands : Halt, and then Right —
Dress.

The squadron being aligned, the first captain commands :
Front.

To Form on !Left into lane by Inversion.

The squadron marching in column with distance, right in
front, to form it in line, upon the prolongation and in ad-
vance of its left flank, the captain commands :

1. By inversion on left into line. 2. March. 3. Guide
left. 4. Front.

At the first command, the chief of the first platoon com-
mands : Left.

At the command March, he commands : Turn ; the pla-
toon turns to the left, and moves forward at the command
Forward; when it has marched thirty paces, its chief
commands : Halt, and then Left — Dress.

The other platoons continue to march forward, without
approaching the line; as each platoon arrives abreast of the
fourth file from the right of the platoon which should be on
its left, its chief commands : 1. Left — Turn ; 2. For-
ward ; this platoon directs itself towards the place it is to
occupy in line, and on arriving abreast of the file-closers,
its chief commands : Halt, and then Left — Dress.

The squadron being aligned, the first captain commands :
Front.

120 SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

To Break by Platoons to the Front

The squadron being in line, the
first captain commands :

1. By Platoons to the front.

2. March.

3. Guide left.

Figure 75. At the first com-
mand, the chief of the first platoon c^
commands : Platoon forward, and
the chiefs of the other three pla-
toons : Platoon right half wheel

-''V i\ y /i

, A s .*&* \>r*//\
/ m \ / ?Wk$U 4^ ! 0 i

Fig. 75.

At the command March, repeated by these officers, the
first platoon moves forward ; its chief repeats the indication
of the guide.

Each of the other chiefs of platoon, when their half-
wheel to t\& right is executed, commands : 1. Forward;
2. Guide left, and then marches straight forward. When
the left of his platoon arrives in the direction of the

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

121

platoon which precedes, he commands : 1. Left half -wheel ;
2. March; 3. Forward, in order to enter the column.

The first captain does not announce the guide until the
first platoon has broken to the front ; and he gives the
guide a point of direction.

To Form Front Into Line.
lj &:& jr. 4

Fig. 7<

122 SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

The squadron being in column with distance, right in
front, to form it in line upon the head of the column, the
first captain commands :

1. Front into line. 2. March. 3. Guide right. 4. Front.

Figure 76. At the first command, the chief of the first
platoon commands : Platoon forward, and the chiefs of the
three other platoons command : Platoon left half wheel.

At the command March, repeated by these ofiicers, the
first platoon moves forward ) its chief repeats the indication
of the guide, and when it has marched thirty paces, he
commands :

1. Halt. 2. Right — Dress.

The squadron being aligned, the first captain commands :
Front.

This formation is executed in the same manner, when
the column is on the march ; in this case, the chief of the
first platoon, continuing to march on, does not command
platoon forward, nor March, but repeats the indication of
the guide.

To Break by Platoons to the Right, and to Move For-
ward after the Wheel.

The squadron being in line, the first captain commands :

1. Platoons right icheel 2. March. 3. Forward.
4. Guide left.

At the first command, the left file of each platoon pre-
pares to step off promptly, and the pivot to turn upon itself.

At the command March, each platoon executes its wheel
to the right, following the principles of the wheel on a fixed
pivot.

At the third command, the platoons march straight for-
ward.

The first captain commands Forward, when the wheels

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON. 123

are nearly completed, and gives a point of direction to the
guide of the column ; he observes that the marching flanks
step off at the same instant, wheel and arrive together in
column, and that the pivots commence the march together
at the command Forward.

To Form Line to the Front by Inversion.

The squadron being in open column, right in front, to
form line by inversion upon the head of the column, the
first captain commands :

1. By inversion front into line. 2. March. 8. Guide left.
4. Front.

At the first command, the chief of the first platoon com-
mands : Platoon forward ; and the three other chiefs of
platoon command : Platoon right half wheel.

At the command March, repeated by these -officers, the
movement is executed.

To Break by Platoons to the Right, Head of Column to
the Left or Half Left.

The squadron being in line, the first captain commands::

1. Platoons right-wheel — head of column to the left or half
left, 2. March. 3. Forward. 4. Guide left.

At the command March, each platoon executes its wheel
to the right.

At the third command, the chief of the first platooa
commands :

1. Left — Turn. 2. Forward.

The other platoons move on and turn successively at the
command of their chiefs, on the ground upon which the
first had turned.

The first captain commands Forward, when the wheels
are nearly completed, and gives a point of direction.

124

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON,

To Form tine Faced to the Rear, on the Rear of the Column*

"X

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*m \

The squadron being
in coiunm with distance,

right in front, to form / XAjvYwvvvvvyA

line faced to the rear, / ^/feCvv^^T

the first captain com- / / / [Es==-!Es£j

maDd8: / />\ «fc>*\

/ / / .^-Jl— ^T -1

/ / / /%/' [r~~~~~"~~T~JK\

/ /' //* sfr \ eft

^j-J M^WAfA

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Fig. 77.

1. Platoons Jeft-about wheel 2. MARCH. 3. .F/wi* into
Zme. 4. March. 5. GWtfe fe/l. 6. Front.
Figure 77. At the second command, each platoon exe-
cutes its wheel to the kft-ahmit \

SCHOOL OV THE SQUADRON. 125

At the fourth command, the chief of the fourth platoon,
which becomes the head of the column, when its wheel is
nearly completed, commands : 1. Forward; 2. Guide left;
and when it has marched thirty paces, 1. Halt; 2. Left —
Dress.

The chiefs of the other platoons, on completing three-
fourths of their wheel, command: 1. Forward; 2. Guide
left ; and direct themselves towards the place they are to
occupy in line, conforming in other respects to what is pre-
scribed for Jroiit into line, when the column has its left in
ront.

The first captain commands front into line, in sufficient
time to command March, and guide left, when the platoons
have completed three-fourths of their wheel.

To Form lane Faced to the Rear, by Inversion on the Rear
of the Column.

The squadron being in column with distance, right in
front, and obstacles are presented upon its left flank, to form
line faced to the rear, the first captain commands :

1. Platoons right-ahout wheel. 2. March. 3. By inversion
ront into line. 4. March. 5. Guide right. 6. FRONT.

At the second command, each platoon executes its wheel
to the right-about.

At the fourth command, the chief of the fourth platoon,
which becomes the head of the column, when its wheel is
nearly completed, commands: 1. Forward; 2. Guide
right ; and when it has marched thirty paces, 1. Halt; 2.
Right — Dress.

• The chiefs of the platoons, at three-fourths of the wheel,
command ; 1. Forward ; 2. Guide right ; and direct them-
selves towards the place they are to occupy in line, con-
forming, in other respects, to what is prescribed for by in-
version front into line, when the left is in front.

126

SCHOOL Off THE SQUADRON.

To Break by Platoons to the Right; Head of Column to the
Right (or Half Right.)

The squadron being in line, the first captain commands :
1. Platoons right wheel— head of column to the right (or half
right.) 2. March. 3. Forward. 4. Guide left.

W

43

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m

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q[ic

VIST

[g. 78

SCHOOL OU THE SQUADRON. 127

At the command March, each platoon executes its wheel
to the right.

At the third command, the chief of the first platoon
commands: 1. Right — Turn; 2. Forward. The other
platoons move on, and turn successively at the command of
their chief, on the same ground.

The first captain commands, Forward, when the wheels
are nearly completed.

To Form Line Faced to the Rear on the Head of the
Column.

The squadron being in column with distance, right in
front, to form line upon the head of the column faced to
the rear, the first captain commands :

1. By inversion front into line. 2. March. 3. Guide left.

Fig. 78. Which is executed as prescribed for by inver-
sion front into line, right in front, but without rectifying
the alignment.

The squadron being formed, the first captain immediate-
ly commands :

1. Platoons left-about wheel. 2. March. 3. Halt. 4. Right
—Dress. 5. Front.

To Form Line Faced to the Rear, by Inversion, on the
Head of the Column.

The squadron being in column with distance, right in
front, and obstacles' are presented on its right flank, to form
line upon the head of the column, faced to the rear, the
first captain commands :

1. Front into line. 2. March. 3. Guide right.

Which is executed as prescribed for front into line, right
in front, but without rectifying the alignment.

128 SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

The squadron being formed, the first captain immediately
commands :

1. Platoons right-ahout icheel. 2. March. 3. Halt. 4.
Left — Dress. 5. Front.

Movements by Fours, the Squadron being in Column
with Distance.

To gain distance towards a flank.

The squadron being in column with distance, right in
front, to cause it to gain ground towards its left flank, the
first captain commands :

1. By fours left wheel. 2. March. 3. Forward. 4.

Guide right.

Fig. 79. At the command March, the wheels are executed
in each rank by fours, as prescribed in the School of the
Platoon.

If, instead of moving forward, after having wheeled to left
by fours, the first captain wishes to halt the column, he
commands: Halt.

To take a direction parallel to the first, and return to
column with distance, the first captain commands :

1. By fours right wheel. 2. March. 3. Halt.

Which is executed on the same principles, but by inverse
means.

If, instead of halting, the first captain wishes the column
to march forward, he commands : 1. Forward; 2. Guide left.

The squadron being in column with distance, right in
front, it is caused to gain ground towards its right flank by
the commands: 1. By fours right wheel; 2. March; '6.
Forward; 4. Guide left; and to resume the primitive di-
rection, at the commands: 1. By fours left wheel; 2.
March; 3. Halt (or Forward ;) 4. Guide left.

To march to the rear.

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON,

129

[1

CTK

«^^« ■^S m$fai fegggifo

Fig.

130

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

IJH

*k^l

The squadron being in column
with distance, right in front, to
cause it to march to the rear, the
first captain commands :

ca

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08

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ta

'L^

tXX7

i^i H?

! I'

i^

l.JJBfy /owrs left-about wJieel. 2.
March. 3. Forward. 4. W(f«

Figure 80. At the command
March, the movement is executed,
in each rank by fours, as prescribed
in the School of the Platoon.

If, instead of moving forward
after the wheel to the left-about by
fours, the first captain wishes to
halt the column, he commands :
Halt.

To return to the primitive di-
rection, the first captain commands :

1. By fours right-about wheel. 2.
March. 3. Halt.

Which is executed as just pre-
scribed, but by inverse means.

If the first captain wishes the
column to march forward, he com-
mands : 1. Forward. 2. Guide
left.

In all the movements to the
left and to the right by fours,
the chiefs of platoon move up
abreast of the first rank of their
platoons, on the side of the guide.

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

131

ARTICLE THIRD.

Direct March of the Squadron in Line.

The principles of the direct march, prescribed in the
School of the Platoon, are applicable to the squadron.

The troopers, to keep aligned, should feel lightly the boot
of the men on the side of the guide ; this principle is borne
constantly in mind, as it is the only means of being at ease
in the ranks, and preserving the individual alignment.
With respect to the general alignment, the non-commissioned
officers and flank files endeavor to remain aligned between
each other ; consequently they will not be required to keep

xl$

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ffil

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sflz

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Fig. 81.

the eyefl to the front, but from time to time will give a glance
towards the guide, in order to keep on the same line, avoid-
ing to carry the bridle hand in that direction, that there
may be no crowding in the ranks.

The regularity of the march in line depending much upon

132 SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

the attention which the flank files pay to their alignment,
these files should be at first exercised separately.

The squadron being in line and correctly aligned, the
first captain commands :

1. Flank files forward. 2. Guide right. 3. March.

Figure 81. At the second command, the particular
guide of the right moves up abreast of the chiefs of pla-
toon ; he is immediately replaced by the file-closer of the
first platoon.

At the command March, the chiefs of platoons, the
flank files, (right and left file of each platoon,) and the
particular guides, move straight forward, the flank files
preserving between each other the necessary interval, in
order to receive the troopers of their platoons, and when
they have marched thirty paces, the first captain com-
mands :

1. Flanh files. 2. Halt.

At the command Halt, the chiefs of platoon, the flank
files, and the particular guides halt.

The first captain, after being assured that the flank
files have marched in a direction perpendicular, and
upon a line parallel to the front of the squadron, com-
mands :

1. Squadron forward. 2. Guide right. 3. March.

At the command March, the flank files and the squad-
ron move forward.

The flank files and the squadron having marched cor-
rectly in the given direction, to halt them, the first captain
commands :

1. Squadron. 2. Halt.

At the command Halt, the squadron and the flank files
halt.

To cause the platoons to re-enter their places, the first

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON. 133

captain, after giving notice to the flank files to stand fast,
commands :

1. Squadron forward. 2. March.

And when at one pace from the flank files, he commands :

1. Squadron. 2. Halt. 3. Right — Dress. 4. Front.

At the second command, the troopers halt.

At the third command, the particular guide and the
file-closer who replaced him in the front rank of the squad-
ron resume their places in the line ; the troopers return to
their intervals together, and dress to the right.

The squadron being aligned, the first captain commands :
Front.

The squadron being in line, to move forward, the first
captain commands :

1. Squadron forward. 2. Guide right. 3. March.

Fig. 82.

Fig. 82. At the second command, the particular guide
and file-closer of the first platoon conform to what is pre-
scribed.

At the command March, the squadron moves forward.

To halt the squadron, the first captain commands :

1. Squadron. 2. Halt. 3. Eight — Dress. 4. Front.

At the second command, the squadron halts.

At the third command, the squadron aligns itself as pre-
scribed.

The squadron beiug aligned, the first captain commands :
Front.

134

SCHOOL OP THE SQUADRON.

Counter-march.

The squadron being in line, to face it in the opposite di-
rection, the first captain commands :

1. Counter-march by the right jlanh.
right. 3. MARCH.

2. By file to the

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Figure 83. At the second com-
mand, the chiefs of platoon turn to
the right, the chief of the first platoon
placing himself in front of his first
file ; the file-closers turn to the left,
and pass to the left of the squadron,
those of the second division abreast
of the front rank, the second captain
on their left, those of the first divi-
sion abreast of the rear rank.

The particular guide of the right
places himself promptly behind the
particular guide of the left, facing to
the rear, the croup of his horse six
paces from the rear rank.

At the command March, the
movement is executed as prescribed
in the School of the Platoon.

When the first file is at two paces
from the particular guide who indi-
cates the place where it is to form,
the first captain commands :
1. Front. 2. Halt. 3. Right—
Dress. 4. Front.

The file-closers follow the movement, and resume their
places as they arrive at them.

After having commanded March, the first captain
moves rapidly to the flank by which the movement is exe-
cuted, in order to direct the head of the column, and

%~*#

Fief. 83.

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON. 135

to reform the squadron to the rear upon a line parallel to
the or, e it first occupied

At the command Halt, and Bight — Dress, the second
captain turna-about and places himseli abreast of the rear
rank to ali^n it.

The squadron being aligned, the first captain commands :
Front. At this command, the chiefs of platoon face to
the front, by a turn to the left.

The counter-march should be executed generally at the
trot. For this purpose, after the second command, the first
captain indicates the gait.

Wheelings.

The principles prescribed for the platoon are applicable
to the squadron wheeling on a fixed or a moveable pivot.
The execution of it becomes more difficult as the front is
extended; it requires, on the part of the officers and troop-
ers, a particular and constant attention.

To Wheel on a Fixed Pivot.

The squadron is exercised in wheeling on a fixed pivot,
first at the walk, then at the trot ; also at the gallop, when
the troopers are confirmed in all the principles.

The squadron being halted and correctly aligned, the
first captain commands :

1. Squadron in circle right wheel. 2. March.

Which is executed as prescribed in the School of the
Platoon.

To halt the squadron during the wheel, the first captain
commands :

1. Squadron. 2. Halt. 3. Left — Dress. 4. Front.

At the first command, the troopers of the rear rank
straighten their horses, and resume their places behind
their file-leaders.

136 SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

At the second- command, all the troopers halt.

At the third command, the squadron dresses to the left.

The squadron being aligned, the first captain commands :
Front.

If, instead of halting, the first captain wishes to resume
the direct march, he commands :

1. Forward. 2. Guide left.

At the first command, the troopers of the rear rank
straighten their horses, and place themselves behind their
file-leaders, and the whole squadron moves forward at the
gait in which it was marching before the wheel.

The squadron wheeling to the right, at the walk or at the
trot, the first captain commands :

1. Squadron in circle left wheel. 2. MARCH.

At the first command the rear rank men return to the
direction of the file leaders. At the command March the
left flank halts and becomes the pivot. The right flank as-
suming the gait at which the left was marching, moves for-
ward and describes a circle proportionate to the extent of
the front. All the other troopers straighten their horses,
and guide them so as to pass over new circles in an inverse
sense.

The squadron being halted, the first captain com-
mands :

C right (or left) wheel.

1. Squadron. 1 right-about (or left-about) wheel,
{^right-half (or left-half) wheel.
2. March, o. Squadron. 4. Halt. 5. Left (or right) —
Dress. 6. Front.

Figure 84. Which is executed as prescribed in the
School of the Platoon.

The first captain allows sufficient time to elapse between
the first and second command, for the troopers to gather
their horses, that they may commence to move together.

These movements are executed at the different gaits ;

SCHOOL Ot THE SQUADRON.

13'

but they should not be repeated too frequently at thegallojj,

in order not to fatigue the horses.

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I I

! !
i '

/ /

; '
/ '

/ /

i

/ /
/ /
' /

/ /

Fig. 84.

138

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADKON.

To Wheel on a Moveable Pivot.

In the wheels on a moveable pivot, the pivot should de-
scribe an arc of circle of twenty paces, at the same time
slackening the gait ; the marching flank increases its gait.
The sixth file^of the second platoon, which is the middle
of the radius of the wheel, preserves the gait at which the

ft

1 1

1 1

1 1
1 1

V

// r

*A i\ site Ms 4 ;';' ^ <L \ i

Fig. 85.

squadron was marching. The troopers placed between this
file and the pivot diminish proportionally their gait ; those
placed between this file and the marching flank augment
proportionally theirs.

SCHOOL 01' THE SQUADRON. 139

The wheel on a moveable pivot is executed upon the
guide or upon the opposite flank.

After a wheel on a moveable pivot, the guide remains
where it was before the wheel, and is given a new point of
direction.

The squadron marching in line, to change direction to
the right, the first captain commands :

1. Eight — Turn. 2. Forward.

Figure 85. Which is executed as prescribed in the
School of the Platoon, the pivot describing an arc of circle
of twenty paces.

Individual Oblique March.

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ii

1 1

Fig. 86.
Figure 86. The squadron marching in line, to cause it to
gain ground towards its right flank, without changing the
front of the squadron, the first captain commands :
1. Bight oblique. 2. March, f
To resume the primitive direction, the first captain com-
mands :

Forward.
• This is executed as prescribed in the School of the Pla-
toon.

140

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

Oblique March by Platoons.

The squadron being in line, to cause it to gain ground to-
wards its right flank, by the oblique march by platoons, the
first captain commands :

1. Platoons right half-wheel 2. March. 3. Forward.
4. Guide right.

Fig. 87. At the command March, each platoon exe-
cutes its half-wheel to the right, on a fixed pivot.

JS

Fig. 87.

At the third command, each platoon moves forward, con-
forming to the principles of the direct march.

To cause the squadron to resume the primitive direction,
the first captain commands :

1. Platoons left half -wheel 2. March. 3. Forward. 4.
Guide right.

Which is executed as just prescribed, but by inverse
means.

In the oblique march by platoons, the pivots of the pla-.
toons should all halt at the same instant, at the command

SCHOOL OP THE SQUADRON.

141

March, so that all the wheels may terminate at the same
time.

During this march, the right guide of the first platoon
marches directly upon the point which has been indicated
to him. The guides of the other platoons preserve their
distances, take for file leader the fourth trooper from the
left of the platoon which precedes them, and keep at two
paces from him.

Movements by Fours.
To gain ground to the right.

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The squadron being in line, to cause
it to gain ground towards its right flank
the first captain commands :

1. By fours right wheel. 2. MARCH.
8. Forward. 4. Guide left.

Fig. 88. Which is executed as pre-
scribed. The chiefs of platoon march
on the side of the guide, at one pace
from, and abreast of the leading files
of their platoons.

The particular guide of the

right
marches in front of the column, at one
pace from the leading rank of eight,
the particular guide of the left behind
the last rank of eight of the fourth
platoon.

Fis. 88.

142 SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

The squadron having wheeled to the right by fours, and
being in column, to change direction to the left, the first
captain commands :

Head of column to the lejt.

The chief of the first platoon commands: 1. Left — Turn;
2. Forward.

To change direction to the right, the movement is exe-
cuted on the same principles, but by inverse means, at the
command : Head of column to the right.

To put the squadron again in line, the first captain com-
mands :

1. By fours left wheel. 2. March. 3. Halt. 4. Right —
Dress. 5. Front.
These movements are executed by the left, on the same
principles, at the commands: 1. By fours left-ivheel; 2.
March; 3. Forward; 4. Guide right; and 1. By fours
right-wheel- 2. March; 3. Halt; 4. Left — Dress; 5.
Front.

The Squadron being in Line, to Cause it to Gain Ground
to the Rear, and to Face it again to the Front.

The squadron being in line, to face it in the opposite di-
rection, the first captain commands :

1. By fours right-about icheel. 2. March. 3. Forward.
4. Guide left.

Fig. 89. Which is executed as prescribed in the School
of the Platoon.

The chiefs of platoon, the file-closers, and the particular
guides, wheel-about individually, and march, the chiefs of
platoon behind the centre of their platoons, the file-closers
in front, and the particular guides abreast of the rear rank,
become the front.

At the fourth command, the file-closer nearest the guide
passes to the left, in order to place himself in front of the
particular guide ; the first captain gives him a point of di-

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

143

.ft

ra

-TTvv«vvv,'a ■.v^v'awva m ;':vvvri\<

Fig. 89.
rection, which is also indicated to the particular guide, who,
in this movement, remains on the flank of the squadron.

The squadron is faced again to the front, by a movement
similar to the one just stated.

The wheels to the left-about by fours, are executed on the
same principles, but by inverse means.

These movements by fours are executed from a halt, and
in marching at the walk and at the trot.

The Squadron Marching in Line, to Break it by Platoons,
to the Right, and to form it again in Line.

The squadron marching in line, to cause it to gain ground
towards its right flank, the first captain commands :

144 SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

1. Platoons right-wheel. 2. March. 3. Forward. 4. Guide

left.

Which is executed as prescribed, the pivots halting short,
and the left file of each platoon stepping out promptly, and
regulating its movements upon that of the platoon which is
in front, so as to arrive together in column.

To put the squadron again in line, the first captain com-
mands :

1. Platoons left-wheel. 2. March. 3. Forward. 4. Guide
right.

The marching flanks regulate their movements upon those
of the platoons at the head of the column, so as to arrive
together in line.

The second captain gives a point of direction to the par-
ticular guide, who moves up on the line of officers, and in-
dicates it also to the file-closer who replaces him on the
flank of the squadron.

The Squadron marching in Line, to march it to the Rear
by Wheeling the Platoons About.

The squadron marching in line, guide right, the first cap-
tain commands :

1. Platoons right-about wheel. 2. March. 3. Forward.
4. Guide left.

Figure 90. At the command March, the pivots halt
short, and turn upon themselves ; the marching flanks step
off at the same instant, regulating themselves by the right
during the first half of the wheel, so as to arrive together
in column, and by the left during the second half, so as to
arrive together in line. In each platoon, the rear-rank and
the file-closers carry the hand towards the marching flank,
in order to facilitate the movement.

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

145

*s

¥**/ sab

^Lj^ftMf

I

---il l--- -—"hi. - -- — "Tl

Fig. 90.

At' the third command, the squadron resumes the direct
march.

At the fourth command, the particular guide on the side
indicated moves up on the line of officers; he is immedi-
ately replaced, and a point of direction given.

If, after wheeling about, the first captain wishes to halt
the squadron, instead of commanding Forward, he com-
mands: 3. Halt; 4. Left— Dress; 5. Front.

The Squadron marching in tine, to break it to the Front by
Platoons, and to Re-form it.

The first captain commands :
1. By platoons to the front. 2. March.

7

3. Guide left.

146

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

The squadron marching in column with distance, right
in front, to form it at the same gait, the first captain com-
mands :

1. Form squadron. 2, MARCH. 3. Guide right.

The Squadron Marching in Iiine ; to Break it to the Front by
Platoons, in Doubling the Gait, and to Re-form it.

' The first captain commands :
1. By platoons to the front— trot. 2. March, o. Guide left,
At the first command, the chief of the first platoon conv

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Fig. 91.

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON, 147

eiands : Trot ; and those of the three other platoons com-
mand : Platoon right half-ioheel — trot.

At the command March, repeated by these officers, the
movement is executed.

To form squadron.

The s^uadrGn marching in column with distance, right in
front, to form it in doubling the gait, the first captain com-
mands:

1. Form squadron — trot. 2. March. 3. Guide right.

Figure 91. At the first eommand, the chiefs of the last
three platoons command: Platoon left half-wheel — trot.

At the command March, repeated by the chiefs Gf the
three last platoons, the first platoon continues to march
•straight forward at the walk, and its chief repeats the indi-
cation of the guide.

The three other platoons execute their JiaJf-zoheel to the
left at the txot, on & fixed pivot.

The half-wheels being nearly terminated, the chiefs of
ihese platoons command: J. Forward; X. Guide right;
when they move straight forward, and as soon as the right
file of their platoon is in the direction of the left file of the
platoon, which precedes, they command: 1. Right half-
wheel; 2. March; 3. Forward; and then walk; in suffi-
cient time to command March, when their platoon arrives
in line; then the troopers resume the walk, and align them-
selves in marching.

Each platoon, after its halfivheelto the left, moves straight
forward on the point where it is to turn, and without obliqu-
ing toward the platoons which precede it.

The second captain gives a point of direction to the par-
ticular guide of the right, who moves upon the line of offi-
cers at the command, guide right

148

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

^|tK?jfc S'V, Xjj SA

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jdQ s.fiii. cftc; s§i, \ e$

Fig. 92.
Passage of Obstacles. *

The squadron marching in line, to execute the passage of
obstacles, the first captain commands :

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON. 149

1. Obstacle. 2. First platoon. 3. Halt.

Figure 92. At the command Halt, repeated by the
chief of the first platoon, this platoon halts, and its chief
immediately commands :
■
1. Left oblique — trot. 2. March.

And this platoon doubles upon the second.
When the platoon which has obliqued is in rear of the
one upon which it has doubled, its chief commands :

1. Forward. 2. Guide right. 3. Walk. 4. March.

To cause the platoon which has obliqued to return to its
place, the first captain commands :

1. First 'platoon. 2. Into Line.

At the command Into Line, the chief of the platoon
commands :

1. Right oblique — trot. 2. MARCH.

When opposite the ground the platoon is to occupy, he
commands :

1. Forward. 2. Guide left. 3. Walk; and when the
platoon is in line, 4. March.

The chief of the platoon commands : Forward, a little
before its left file has passed beyond the right file of the
platoon on which it is to form.

The squadron marching in line, to execute the passage
of obstacles upon the head of each platoon, the captain
commands :

1. In each platoon — by fours (or by twos) — trot 2. MARCH.
3. Guide right.

150 SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

Figure 93. At the
first command, the
chiefs of platooon com-
mand :

By fours (or by twos —
trot.

At the command
March, repeated by
these officers, each pla-
toon breaks by fours as
prescribed ; the chiefs
of platoon march at the
head of their platoons;
the particular guide of
the right, who marches
on the line of officers,
places himself on the
right of the first pla-
toon j the particular
guide of the left, in
rear of the fourth pla-
toon, and the file-closers
upon the right flank of
their platoons.
, Each platoon be-
ing thus broken in
column, should pre-
serve a direction

parallel to that of s0 cft

the one which is .

the guide, keep- lg* °'

ing on the same line, and always at the distance of its
front, to be able at any moment to reform in line.

If the ground requires a platoon to deviate from its di-
rection, it should return to it as soon as possible, and re-
cover its proper distance with respect to the side toward the
guide

SCHOOL 0¥ THE SQUADRON. 151

In marching thus, the first captain may cause the squad-
ron to break by twos and hy file, observing to form twos and
fours as soon as the ground will permit.

To reform the squadron, each platoon having broken by
fours or by twos at the trot, right in front, the first captain
commands :

1. Form platoons. 2. March. 3. Guide right.

At the first command, the chiefs of platoon command :

Form platoon.

At the command March, repeated by these officers, each
platoon forms as prescribed.

If the ground does not permit all the platoons to form
at once, the one before which the obstacle is presented
form in rear of the other platoon of its division, and re-
takes its place in line as soon as practicable.

ARTICLE FOURTH.

Charge.

In the charge, as in every other direct march, it is im-
portant to keep the horses straight. As soon as any con-
fusion is observed, it is necessary to halt and recommence
the movement.

The squadron is exercised at the charge :

1. In line. 2. Li column. 3. As foragers.

The charge in line is executed by the squadron when in
line ; it should be as short as possible, so as to arrive in
good order, and without fatiguing the horses.

The charge in column is executed by the squadron bro-
ken in column with distance.

152 SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

To execute the charge as foragers, all the troopers of the
squadron disperse, and direct themselves each upon the
point he wishes to attack, observing not to lose sight .of
their officers, who charge with them.

The line upon which the squadron should reform after
the charge, is marked out. by two non-commissioned officers
who are file-closers, and who are placed two hundred and
forty paces in front, facing, and at a distance from each
other equal to the front of the squadron.

Non-commissioned officers are also placed opposite the
right flank at the different points where the changes of gait
should take place.

If the guide is on the left, they are placed opposite the
left flank.

The squadron being in line, the first captain orders the
sabres to be drawn, and the platoons to charge one after
another, commencing by the right.

For this purpose the first captain advances two hundred
and forty paces to the front, taking a trumpeter with hiin;
and when he wishes the movement to commence, he causes
a signal to be given.

The first platoon then moves forward at the commands
of its chief. It passes successively from the walk to the
trot, from the trot to the gallop, and from the gallop to the
charge.

The three other platoons break in their turn, when the
preceding one has halted.

To execute the charge by the entire squadron, the first
captain places himself in front of the centre of his squad-
ron, and commands :

1. Squadron forward. 2. Guide right (or left.) 3.
March.

When the squadron has marched forward twenty paces,
lit commands :

1. Trot. 2. March.

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON. 153

At sixty paces farther, he commands :

1. Gallop. 2. March.

At eighti/ paces farther, he commands :

Charge.

When the squadron, after having passed over sixty paces
at the charge, is twenty paces from the non-commissioned
officers who mark the line, the first captain commands : %

1. Attention. 2. Squadron. 3. Halt. 4. Right— Dress.
5. Front.

At the command Attention, repeated by the chiefs of pla-
toon, the troopers prepare to slacken the pace, and carry the
sabre to the shoulder.

At the command Squadron, the chiefs of platoon com-
mand : Platoon, and the troopers pass to the trot.

At the command Halt, repeated by the chiefs of pla-
toon, the troopers halt.

At the command Right— Dress, they align themselves
to the right.

The squadron being aligned, the first captain commands:
Front.

When the squadron executes the charge correctly, in-
stead of baiting when the charge is finished, the first cap-
tain commands :

1. Attention. 2. Trot. 3. March.

At these commands, repeated by the chiefs of platoon,
the squadron passes to the trot, and at twenty paces beyond
. the line marked out, he commands :

X. First (or fourth) platoon — as foragers. 2. March.

154 , SCHOOL, OF THE SQUADRON.

At these commands, repeated by the chief of the platoon
designated, the platoon moves forward at the gallop, and
disperses as foragers. A trumpeter follows the chief of the
platoon.

The squadron follows this platoon at the trot : when it
has passed over one hundred and fifty paces, the first cap-
tain causes the rally to be sounded. At this signal, repeat-
ed by the trumpeter of the platoon dispersed as foragers,
the latter rally upon the squadron, and when three-fourths
of the platoon have rallied and are in line, the first captain
commands :

1. Attention. 2. Gallop. 3. March. 4. Charge.

The squadron executes again the charge in line; the
troopers who have not been able to rally, charge upon the
flanks of the squadron.

The squadron marching in column with distance, at the
trot, the first captain commands :

1. To the charge. 2. March.

At the first command, the chief of the first platoon com-
mands : Gallop.

At the command March, repeated by the chief of the
first platoon, this platoon commences the gallop.

The other platoons follow at the trot, each taking the gal-
lop, when the platoon which precedes is at the distance of
fifty paces.

When the first platoon has passed over eighty paces at the
gallop, its chief commands :

Charge.

At this command, the platoon executes the charge; and
when it has passed over sixty paces, its chief causes it to
pass at the trot, by the commands :

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON. 155

1. Attention; 2. Trot; 3. March.

The other platoons pay attention to the movements of the
platoon which precedes them, so as to change the gait in
time, and to resume their ordinary distance; the first cap-
tain halts the column when he thinks proper.

These charges are executed, each platoon taking in its
turn the head of the column.

The squadron marching in column with distance, at the
trot, the first captain commands :

1. First platoon as foragers. 2. March.

At the command March, repeated by the chief of the
first platoon, this platoon disperses as foragers. The squad-
ron continues to march at the trot, and when it has passed
over one hundred or one hundred and fifty paces, the first
captain causes the rally to be sounded.

At this signal, the platoon rallies and reforms at the rear
of the column, or at its place in line if the squadron has
been put in line.

Rallying.

To give the troopers the habit of rallying promptly, after
having been dispersed as foragers, the first captain places
the squadron at the extremity of the ground; and after
giving notice to the files on the flanks of platoons, the file-
closers and the trumpeters, to remain upon the line with
him, he causes the disperse to be sounded. At this signal,
the troopers disperse and charge as foragers; when they
are at the distance of one hundred and fifty or two hundred
paces, the first captain causes the rally to be sounded.

The first captain observes that the troopers disperse with-
out confusion ; that, in rallying, they direct themselves to
the right and to the left, outside of the flanks of the squad-

156 SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

ron, in order to unmask promptly the front of the squadron,
and to re-form in passing by the rear.

When the troopers rally without confusion, this move-
ment is repeated without requiring the flank files, etc., to
remain on the line of the squadron.

At the signal to disperse, the squadron disperses in every
direction to the front.

When the squadron is dispersed, the first captain causes
the rally to be sounded.

At this signal, the officers, the non-commissioned officers,
and the troopers rejoin rapidly; the officers align them-
selves promptly upon the first captain, and the non-com-
missioned officers mark immediately the flanks of the pla-
toons.

As soon as the first captain has formed two-thirds of the
squadron, he moves forward, charges again, and halts.

When the squadron is dispersed as foragers, the first cap-
tain should sometimes establish himself to the right or to
the left of the direction followed by the troopers, and then
order the rally to be sounded, to accustom them to rally
upon any point he may select.

These movements are first executed at the trot, and then
at the gallop.

Light cavalry should be particularly exercised in charg-
ing as foragers and in rallying.

Skirmishing.

WThen the squadron is in sight of the skirmishers, the
first captain orders no signal except the rally. The chief
of the skirmishers observes the movements of the squadron
he covers, and conforms to them as soon as practicable, re-
quiring his trumpeter to sound the necessary signals.

When the squadron changes front, the chief of the skir-
mishers moves upon the new front, unless the first captain
gives orders to the contrary.

If the squadron is out of sight of the skirmishers, the

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON. 157

first captain causes the signals which correspond to the
movements he executes to be sounded, in order to give no-
tice to the chief of the skirmishers, who conforms to them
as soon as practicable.

The trumpeter who follows the chief of the skirmishers
should give the signals only upon the order of that officer.
The skirmishers should execute their movements only by
the signals of the trumpeter who accompanies the officer
who commands them.

With respect to the signals, as well as to commence and
to cease firing, the troopers conform to what is prescribed
in the School of the Platoon.

When several platoons act as skirmishers, the firing is
commenced by the right of each platoon.

When a squadron is acting as skirmishers, the first cap-
tain is always followed by a trumpeter. The others are
placed several steps in rear of the line of skirmishers, at
equal distances from the centre to the extremities, in order
to repeat as soon as possible the signals given by the trum-
peter of the first captain.

The squadron being in line, the first captain commands :

1. First (or fourth) platoon — as skirmishers. 2. March.

At the first command, the chief of the first platoon or-
ders the sabres to be returned, the holsters to be uncovered,
and the arms to be loaded ; he then commands :

1. Platoon forward. 2. Guide right. 3. Trot.

At the command March, repeated by the chief of the
platoon, this platoon moves forward. After marching one
hundred paces to the front, the chief of the platoon com-
mands :

1 Six files from right (or from left) — as skirmishers. 2.
March. 3. Guide right (or guide left?)

Which is executed as prescribed.

158 SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

When the first captain wishes the skirmishers to re-enter
the squadron, he causes the rally to be sounded.

At this signal, the chief of the skirmishers rallies his
platoon, and then rejoins the squadron at the gallop, di-
recting himself upon one of the flanks to resume his place
in line.

When the first captain wishes to relieve a platoon which
is skirmishing, the chief of the new platoon, after causing
the arms to be loaded, moves forward upon the reserve of
the platoon which is acting as skirmishers. On coming up
abreast of it, he orders out six files as skirmishers, as has
been explained j the remaining six files halt and draw sa-
bres.

As soon as the new skirmishers have passed five paces
beyond those they are to relieve, the latter turn-about and
rally upon their reserve. The platoon, having rallied, is
conducted back to the squadron at the trot.

When the entire squadron is to act as skirmishers, the
first captain orders the sabres to be returned, the holsters to
be uncovered, and the arms to be loaded ; he then com-
mands :

1. Squadron forward. 2. Guide right. 3. Trot. 4.
March.

Having arrived at the point where the reserve is to be
established, about one hundred paces from the front of the
body to be covered, and more if it has been commanded,
the first captain commands :

1. First three (or last three) platoons as skirmishers. 2.
March.

At the command March, the chief of the platoon which
is to support the skirmishers halts that platoon, and orders
the sabres to be drawn. The chiefs of the three other pla-
toons continue to march on, each directing himself by the
shortest route, one hundred paces to the front towards the

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON. 159

part of the line his platoon is to occupy, and having reached
it. he disperses his platoon as skirmishers.

The right platoon covers the right of the regiment, and
extends thirty or forty paces beyond it; another platoon
covers the centre, and the left platoon covers the left, ex-
tending also thirty or forty paces beyond. The chiefs of
these platoons remain twenty-five paces in rear of the line of
skirmishers, and pass over the extent occupied by the
troopers of their platoons.

The reserve remains in rear of the centre of the line of
skirmishers. If the first captain thinks proper to divide it,
each fraction moves upon the point designated, the first
commanded by the officer, the other by the non-commis-
sioned officer who was the file-closer.

The first captain, followed by the first sergeant, keeps
habitually half way between the reserve and the skirmish-
ers, to direct the movements.

The second captain, followed by the second sergeant,
passes the line, and gives notice to the first captain of
everything that it is important for him to know.

If the first captain wishes to rally the skirmishers upon
themselves, he causes the rally of skirmishers to be sounded.

At this signal, each platoon rallies as rapidly as possible
upon its chief

If the first captain then wishes to rally the squadron, ho
moves upon the point where he intends it shall form, and
causes the rally to be sounded when three-fourths of each
platoon has rallied.

At this new signal, the reserve and each platoon of
skirmishers move at a gallop upon the point -where the
captain commanding is placed. The troopers who did not
rejoin their platoon when it rallied upon itself, direct them-
selves towards the squadron.

The squadron being dispersed as skirmishers, if the first
captain wishes it to rally immediately, he orders the rally
to be sounded j at this signal, the officers, the skirmishers,
and the reserve, rally upon the point occupied by the first
captain.

160 SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

The troopers being dispersed as skirmishers, if the first
captain wishes them to charge as foragers, he orders them
to cease firing, and causes the disperse to be sounded.

At this signal, the chiefs of platoon move forward in
line, and the skirmishers draw sabres ; they charge imme-
diately. The reserve follows at the trot or at the gallop, as
may be necessary.

After the charge, the first captain orders the rally to
be sounded, when the troopers rally in rear of the re-
serve.

The skirmishers being rallied by platoons, if the first
captain wishes to charge, he orders the charge to be
sounded.

At this signal, each chief of platoon conducts his pla-
toon to the charge in good order ; the reserve supports the
movement at the trot or at the gallop.

The platoons rally behind the reserve ; the first captain
moves upon that point at the same time that he orders the
rally to be sounded.

The Column by Divisions.

The squadron being in line, if the first captain wishes to
form it in column by divisions, he commands :

1. Divisions right for left) wheel. 2. March. 3. Halt
(or Forward.) 4. Guide left (or right.)

The principles prescribed for the columns by platoons
are applicable to the march in column by divisions, the dif-
ferent modes of passing from line into column, and from
column into line.

. To gain ground towards its flanks or to the rear, employ
the means prescribed for the column by platoons. The
wheels- about can also be executed by divisions.

The distance measured from the croup of the horses of
the rear rank of one division, to the head of the horses of

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON. 161

the division which follows, should be equal to the front of
the division, minus the depth of the two ranks.

In the wheels on a moveable pivot by divisions, the ninth
file of the platoon upon which the wheel is executed is the
middle point of the radius of the wheel. The pivot de-
scribes an arc of circle of ten paces.

The squadron marching in column by platoons, right in
front, to form the divisions at the same gait, the first cap-
tain commands :

] . Form divisions. 2. March.

At the first command; the chiefs of the second and fourth
platoons command :

Platoon left half -wheel.

At the command March, repeated by the same officers,
the. second and fourth platoons execute a half-wheel to the
left on a fixed pivot. The first and third platoons continue
to march straight forward, and having marched thirty
paces, their chiefs command :

Halt.

The chiefs of the second and fourth platoons, when the
half -wheel to the left is nearly terminated, command :

1. Forward. 2. Guide right.

They move straight forward, and as soon as the right file of
their platoon arrives in the direction of the left file of the
platoon which precedes, they command :

1. Right half-wheel. 2. MARcn. 8. Forward.

They move forward, and command, Halt, on arriving
abreast of the platoon belonging to the same division.

1(32 SCHOOL 01" THE SQUADRON.

The lieutenants commanding divisions then commands :
Left — Dress, move to the left of the division, rectify the
alignment, command : Front, and return to the centre of
their platoons.

When the column is at the trot, to form division, at the
same gait, conform to the principles just prescribed, except
that the chiefs of the first and third platoons, at the first
command, command: Walk; at the command, March,
repeated by them, their platoons pass to the walk, continue
to march on ; and that the chiefs of the second and fourth
platoons, which execute their movements in marching at
the trot, command : Walk, in sufficient time to command
March when their platoons come up abreast of those on
which they are to form.

The first captain then commands :

Guide left.

When the column is at the gallop, to form the divisions
at the same gait, conform to the same principles, the first
and third platoons passing to the trot at the command
March, and the second and fourth platoons taking the trot
as they come up.

The column having the left in front, conform to the same
principles, the first and third platoons executing in an in-
verse sense what has been prescribed for the second and
fourth; and the latter conforming to what has been pre-
scribed for the first and third.

The squadron marching in column by divisions, right in
front, to break the divisions by platoons, the first captain
commands :

1. By platoons. 2. March. 3. Guide left.

At the first command, the chiefs of the second and fourth
platoons command :

Platoon right half wheel.

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON; 163

At the command March, repeated by the same officers,
the second and fourth platoons execute a half-wheel to the
right on a fixed pivot, and the first and third platoons con-
tinue to march on.

The chiefs of the second and fourth platoons, the half-
wheel to the right being nearly terminated, command :

1 . Forward. 2. Guide left

They move straight forward, and as soon as the left file of
their platoon arrives in the direction of the left file of the
platoon which precedes, they command :

1. Left half-wheel. 2. March. 3. Forward.

And move forward in taking their proper distances.

The divisions are broken by platoons on the same princi-
ples, by marching at the trot or at the gallop.

The column having the left in front, the first captain
commands :

1. By the left — by platoons. 2. March. 3. Guide right.

Which is executed on the same principles, the first and
third platoons executing in an inverse sense what is pre-
scribed for the second and fourth, and the latter conforming
to what is prescribed for the first and third platoons.

The squadron marching in column by platoons, right in
front, to form divisions in doubling the gait, the first captain
commands :

1. Form divisions — trot. 2. March. 3. Guide left.

Which is executed as prescribed, the first and third pla-
toons continuing to march at the same gait, and the chiefs
of the second and fourth platoons commanding :

1. Platoon If ft half wheel— trot. 2. Mahciii. 3. Forward.
4. Guide right.

164 SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON.

And

1. Right half-wheel 2. March. 3. Forward. 4. Walk.

When they arrive abreast of the platoon, on which they
form; they command :

5. March.

The column marching at the trot, the divisions are form-
ed at the gallop, on the same principles; at the commands:

1. Form divisions — gallop. 2. March. 3. Guide left.

When the column is at the gallop, the divisions are form-
ed at the same gait, the first and third platoons taking the
trot at the command March.

The squadron marching in column by divisions, right in
front, to break the divisions by platoons, in doubling the
gait, the first captain commands :

1. By platoons — trot. 2. March. 3. Guide right.

At the first command, the chiefs of the first and third
platoons commands: Trot; those of the second and fourth
platoons commands: Platoon right half-whejsl — trot.

At the command March, repeated by the chiefs of pla-
toon, the first and third platoons move forward at the trot.
The second and fourth execute their half-wheel to the right
on a fixed pivot, at the trot, and the movement is executed
as prescribed.

The column being at the trot to break by platoons at the
gallop, conform to the same principles, at the commands:

1. By platoons — gallop. 2. March. 3. Guide left.

When the column marches at the gallop, the divisions
are broken at the same gait.

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON. 165

The squadron being in line, to break it by divisions by
the right to march to the left, the first captain commands :

1. Divisions break by the right — to march to the left.
2. March.

Which is executed as prescribed for the column by pla-
toons, each first lieutenant commanding successively, March,
when the division which precedes arrives opposite the cen-
tre of the second platoon of his own division.

The same principles are observed, to break by the left to
march to the right.

To break the squadron by divisions to the rear by the
right, to march to the left, the first captain commands :

1. Divisions break by the right to the rear — to march to the
left. 2. March.

Which is executed as prescribed for the column by pla-
toons,

PROFESSOR CHISOLM'S

MILITARY SURGERY.

A Manual of Military Surgery, for the use of Surgeons in the
Confederate States Army ; with an Appendix of the Rules
and Regulations of the Medical Department of the Confede-
rate States Army. By J. Julian Chisolm, M. D., Professor
of Surgery in the Medical College of South Carolina, Sur-
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